A London, Ont., doctor who assessed a patient with inflammatory bowel disease and a history of mental health issues for medical assistance in dying (MAID) outside a Tim Hortons location and later personally drove the man to the place where his life was ended has agreed to a minimum six months’ supervision.
In another case, Dr. James MacLean failed to administer one of three drugs used in assisted deaths — one that paralyzes the body’s muscles, including the muscles involved in breathing. The patient resumed spontaneously breathing again after initially being pronounced dead, and after MacLean had already left the home.
Investigation findings
An investigation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) into two public complaints made against MacLean concluded that he “did not meet the standard of practice of the profession, displayed a lack of judgment and that his conduct exposes or is likely to expose patients to harm or injury in five out of twenty charts reviewed,” according to a summary decision of the college’s inquiries, complaints and reports committee.
MacLean was called before the committee to be verbally “cautioned” with respect to the MAID complaints.
Regulatory response
As part of an undertaking with the college, MacLean agreed to mandatory clinical supervision for at least six months, ongoing review of his MAID patient charts, and mandatory professional education related to MAID, consent, documentation, professional boundaries and professional behaviour.
After six months, he will undergo an assessment of his practice, the results of which “may form the basis of further action by the College,” Laura Zilke, a CPSO spokesperson, said in an email to National Post.
“The undertaking imposes extensive oversight and monitoring requirements on Dr. MacLean’s practice,” Zilke said. “The college takes any complaints brought to our attention extremely seriously as part of our mandate to serve the public interest and ensure safe, ethical and competent medical care for all Ontarians.”
Concerns about oversight
The doctor’s case is raising new concerns about MAID’s oversight and accountability. “What is striking is not only the seriousness of the concerns identified in these cases, but the limited regulatory response,” said Dr. Ramona Coelho, a family physician and former member of the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario’s MAID death review committee.
According to The Globe and Mail, one of the complaints concerns Thomas Dillon, who suffered from Crohn’s disease and died at age 45 in January 2024. The anonymized death of the St. Thomas man was also flagged by the Ontario coroner’s MAID death review committee.
In a report involving 2024 MAID deaths, the coroner’s panel highlighted the case of “Mr. A,” a male in his 40s with inflammatory bowel disease who, because of his illness, didn’t have an active social network, had difficulty maintaining a job, found personal relationships difficult and was dependent on family for housing and financial support.
MacLean declined comment when contacted by National Post, citing privacy and confidentiality rules.
