Suspended doctor back in practice

An Edmonton family physician has returned to his practice after serving a one-year suspension for writing prescriptions for patients and obtaining the drugs from them for his own use.

Found guilty of inappropriate conduct by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, Dr. Brian McAlpine agreed to conditions that limit the scope of his practice and his ability to prescribe certain drugs. He voluntarily suspended his practice more than a year ago when allegations of unprofessional conduct were made against him.

A hearing tribunal convened in December found McAlpine wrote triplicate prescriptions in the name of one or more of his patients then obtained the medication from them. Triplicate prescription drugs include narcotics and other moodaltering substances, the College of Physicians said in a news released issued Friday.

“Dr. McAlpine displayed a lack of judgment in the provision of professional services,,” the college said.

In addition to the 12-month suspension already served, McAlpine agreed to participate in aftercare for five years and is prohibited from prescribing drugs in the college’s Triplicate Prescription Program. In addition, he is responsible for paying half the costs of the investigation and hearing, a total of $12,734. Any other prescriptions he writes will be scrutinized.

The college has forwarded a copy of its decision to Alberta’s justice minister to determine whether a criminal offence was committed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and narcotic control regulations under that act.

The college rendered its decision on Jan. 23, but it was not disclosed until Friday.

Kelly Eby, director of communications and government relations for the College of Physicians and Surgeons, said legislation prevents the organization from releasing information about doctors’ alleged misconduct until after a hearing has been held.