Dietitians of Canada Survey - Feedback on Health Canada's draft policy on Clinical Case Conferencing related to Jordan's Principle

First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (Indigenous Services Canada/Government of Canada) is asking for feedback on the two documents related to Jordan's Principle: a Guide for Recommending Professionals and the Jordan’s Principle Clinical Case Conferencing Policy.

1)      The Guide for Recommending Professionals is intended to help Jordan’s Principle intake workers understand what professionals are able to diagnose and make recommendations for products, supports and services. This is a very high level document and does not identify unregulated professionals; however, Health Canada recognizes some communities may not have access to a range of professionals to make a diagnosis or recommendations for a child. Health Canada is looking for feedback on how accurate this is for professionals working with First Nations patients/clients.

2)      The Clinical Case Conferencing Policy is intended to help Jordan’s Principle intake workers/case reviewers understand when it is acceptable to ask for a second opinion on a case.  This is because, at times, questions arise about the recommended intervention and or/nature of the request which lead to consulting colleagues or other professionals. However, a 2017 Tribunal Ruling (see attached policy for background) identified criteria for when Canada many engage in clinical case conferencing, which led to the development of the attached policy. In April 2019, the Parties to the CHRT complaint asked that the policy be reviewed by health professionals to determine if the process is reasonable and reflects professional autonomy.

Dietitians of Canada is committed to bringing dietitians' perspectives to this consultation.  This survey seeks to get input on your overall support of the draft policy, as well as specific recommendations for change where needed.  Your stories of how this policy affects your clients and your work will help show the impact of policies. 

If you have any questions, please contact Marie-Ève Guérette St-Amour, Dietitians of Canada lead for federal government advocacy   at marieeve.guerette@dietitians.ca