BILL NO. 17
(as introduced)
1st Session, 65th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
3 Charles III, 2025
Private Member's Public Bill
Medical Act
(amended)
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Cumberland North
First Reading: February 19, 2025
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Explanatory Note
This Bill provides that, where a complaint to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia involves allegations of sexual assault or sexual misconduct,
(a) advance notice must be given to the complainant before disclosure is provided to the respondent that could allow the respondent to identify the complainant; and
(b) the respondent or respondent's representative may not contact the complainant.
An Act to Amend Chapter 38
of the Acts of 2011,
the Medical Act,
Respecting Sexual Assault by Medical Practitioners
1 Chapter 38 of the Acts of 2011, the Medical Act, is amended by adding immediately after Section 45 the following Section:
- 45A (1) Where a complaint involves allegations of sexual assault or sexual misconduct, no disclosure of the complaint may be provided to the respondent under subclause 44(2)(a)(i) or clause 45(5)(b) if the disclosure
(a) identifies the complainant; or
(b) could reasonably allow the respondent to identify the complainant,
unless sufficient notice is provided to the complainant in advance of the disclosure to allow the complainant to make any necessary preparations related to personal comfort or safety.
(2) Where a complaint involves allegations of sexual assault or sexual misconduct, the respondent or a representative of the respondent shall not contact the complainant.
This page and its contents published by the Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and © 2025 Crown in right of Nova Scotia. Created February 19, 2025. Send comments to legc.office@novascotia.ca.
