The Fitness to Practice Program (FTP) investigates and supports medical practitioner fitness to practice issues using a Safe Haven approach.
Although a medical practitioner’s fitness to practice remains the statutory authority of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick (College), the College has delegated the management of the program to the NBMS, which offers practitioners the opportunity to potentially address issues without facing disciplinary action.
This program remains distinctly different from the Wellness Program.
Safe Haven
Historically, pathways—particularly suspensions or disciplinary processes—have often delayed treatment, heightened shame, and reduced the likelihood of successful recovery. These approaches have also disproportionately affected physicians experiencing self-harm or medical crises related to substance use.
Safe haven models encourage physicians to seek care by ensuring confidentiality from regulatory bodies and employers. Under this approach, a physician may disclose a substance use disorder, significant mental health issue, or chronic condition without mandatory reporting to the College, provided they follow treatment recommendations and participate in defined monitoring through the FTP to promote public safety.
The overall purpose of a safe-haven approach is to support physician health and well-being by reducing stigma, encouraging early help-seeking, and providing confidential, compassionate support, while maintaining public and patient safety.
Evidence from jurisdictions using safe haven models shows higher long-term recovery rates, reduced relapse, better compliance with treatment plans, increased referring to the FTP program by peers, earlier engagement, and lower legal and regulatory burden. Ultimately, these programs reduce risk, promote retention, and stabilize the medical workforce.
Both the College and the NBMS are committed to evidence-based best practices, and these changes are being made with physician interests, patient safety, and the College’s mandate in mind. The NBMS and the College have worked together to co-design this program.
The NBMS Fitness to Practice Program
The FTP program is dynamic and responsive, offering treatment options such as comprehensive and specialized independent medical exams, in-patient and out-patient care, biological monitoring, recovery groups, return-to-work planning, and relapse prevention. Interventions for each case are determined by a multi-disciplinary team at the NBMS, in collaboration with community supports and allied health professionals.
The FTP program will utilize several accountability methods to promote physician safety while practicing. Each case will be unique but use a combination of accountability agreements, treatment provider reports, and biological monitoring.
Together, these elements create a balanced system that combines support, accountability, and verification. Evidence suggests that when implemented within a supportive, non-punitive framework, these measures contribute to high rates of sustained recovery and professional reintegration for physicians with substance use disorders.
This model reflects our commitment to supporting physician health and wellness while maintaining public safety. We believe this approach will encourage more physicians to seek the care they need, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both providers and patients. Physicians can self-refer to the program (recommended) or can be referred by a colleague, employer, family member or CPSNB.
For more information, please fill out the form below and someone from the program will contact you.
Any questions related to the Fitness to Practice program can be directed to Meaghan Sibbett, Director of Physician Health Programs at (506) 875-6749.