Update on CorCare Link Access Site Agreement: NLMA Asks Members to Delay Signing
NL Health Services advised the NLMA that it is considering changes to the CorCare Link Access Site Agreement following recent meetings with the NLMA and the valuable feedback provided by members. Given this update, the NLMA recommends members delay signing the agreement until further direction is provided.
Background
The NLMA has heard from many members with questions and concerns following the March 18 Update regarding the new NLHS CorCare Link Access Site Agreement.
We want to be clear that the NLMA shares your view that physicians should not be placed in a position where participation in the public health system requires the acceptance of disproportionate personal legal or financial risk. These are the same concerns the NLMA had communicated to NLHS.
It is also important to clarify the NLMA’s role in relation to this agreement. This is not a negotiated agreement and NLMA was not involved in its development. Upon learning of the agreement through discussions with NLHS officials, the NLMA immediately requested a copy and engaged external legal counsel to review it.
On March 10, the NLMA met with NLHS and provided them with written comments and the legal assessment from our external legal counsel review. On March 12, NLHS advised the NLMA of the changes it would make to the agreement. On Friday, March 13, the NLMA requested a follow‑up meeting with NLHS and submitted additional questions and requests for clarification. The NLMA was advised at that time that no further changes would be made to the CorCare Link Access Site Agreement. On Monday, March 16, NLHS distributed the agreement to all physicians by email.
Given concerns that some, but not all, physicians would receive the March 16 email from NLHS, the NLMA chose to forward the message to all members on March 18 to ensure broad awareness about what NLHS was communicating.
New Developments
Yesterday, the NLMA met with NLHS officials to raise physician concerns. NLMA provided recommendations on simplifying the agreement and removing the Commissioner of Oaths requirement. During the meeting, NLHS advised it would consider those recommendations. NLHS requested that NLMA submit our outstanding concerns and agreed to a follow up meeting.
This morning, NLHS advised NLMA that a new, revised agreement will be developed taking into account the NLMA’s recommendations. NLHS also advised it is considering the NLMA’s request to remove the Commissioner of Oaths requirement.
Finally, NLHS also indicated that a response to our proposal on compensation for CorCare training will be provided to the NLMA next week.
We remain in active discussions with NLHS. The NLMA will review any changes made to the agreement and will advise physicians if there are any remaining concerns. NLMA is also seeking input from the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).
The NLMA recognizes that physicians are navigating an unprecedented period of change and uncertainty. NLMA has been actively advocating to NLHS and the Department of Health for solutions that are supportive of physician practice and patient care, and we will continue to do so.
The NLMA will continue to update members as further information becomes available.