On January 13, 2012, the Discipline Committee found that Dr. Lo committed an act of professional misconduct, in that he failed to maintain the standard of practice of the profession.
Record-keeping
Dr. Lo failed to maintain the standard of practice in record-keeping with respect to Patient A. The patient's record was largely illegible and most entries contained scant information. Changes to medications were made at the last three appointments without documented communication with Patient A's family doctor, who was managing the patient's medications on a more consistent basis. Risk assessments and their conclusions were not documented.
Dr. Lo also failed to maintain the standard of practice in record-keeping with respect to 14 of 15 patients. Patient records were largely illegible and transcriptions were required for review. The patient encounter entries were generally scant. Most charts did not have the initial history, diagnosis and treatment plan charted in any detail. There was a general lack of pertinent negative findings, and mental status exams and risk assessments were not documented.
Care and Treatment
Dr. Lo failed to maintain the standard of practice in his care and treatment of Patient A with respect to his collateral fact gathering and follow-up. Dr. Lo also failed to maintain the standard of practice in his care and treatment of two patients, in that he: 1) failed to adequately monitor the Lithium level of one patient and failed to make the necessary inquires that would have led to the disclosure of the patient's thyroid carcinoma; and 2) managed an alcoholic patient with out-dated treatment and inappropriate use of antabuse.(ERROR BY CPSO: "antabuse": should read DISULFIRAM (Antabuse is a brand name).
Comment: What had diagnosis of Thyroid cancer to do with Psychiatric care?
Comment: Why is use of DISULFIRAM "out-dated"?
On February 7, 2013, the Committee ordered a public reprimand, and directed that the following terms, conditions and limitations be imposed on Dr. Lo’s certificate of registration:
- Dr. Lo shall undergo, at his own expense, a re-assessment of his practice within 12 months by an assessor acceptable to the College. The re-assessment shall include a review of Dr. Lo’s documentation and record-keeping, his appropriate prescription and monitoring of Lithium in clinical practice, his communications with family members and family physicians, and his identification and referral to specialists of patients in his care with comorbid alcoholism; and
- Dr. Lo shall abide by all recommendations provided by the assessor.
CMPA & OMA DO NOT FUND APPEALS.WHICH CAN EASILY COST $100,000.
ONTARIO GOVERNMENT CLOSED (IN TORONTO) TWO LARGE MENTAL HOSPITALS.plus THE WELLESLEY TEACHING HOSP.(with psychiatric floor) and TWO COMMUNITY HOSPITALS: DOCTORS' & CENTRAL. Resulting in severe shortage of Psychiatric beds.
IMMIGRATION PSYCHIATRIC RESTRICTIONS DO NOT APPLY TO CONVENTION REFUGEES.
This case shows high risk to Toronto Psychiatrists as a result of Federal Immigration Laws and Provincial
Hospital closures.
