Sexual relationship with former patient lands Okanagan doctor in hot water

A Vernon doctor has been suspended by the provincial regulatory board for multiple offences, including an inappropriate sexual relationship with a patient.

A public notice from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) says Dr. Craig Scott Jackson has been suspended from practising medicine for six months beginning on April 1.

The suspension could be completed in as little as three months if certain terms of conditions are met.

According to the notice, Jackson admitted or acknowledged breaching multiple sections of the CPSBC practice standard.

• Non-Sexual Boundary Violations: Jackson hired his patient to become a member of his office staff and entered into a personal relationship with the patient.
• Sexual Misconduct: He entered into a sexual relationship with the medical office assistant who had formerly been a patient.
• Treatment of Self, Family Members and Others Close to You: He prescribed to an individual with whom he was in a personal and sexual relationship.

“The Inquiry Committee was critical of the registrant’s admitted conduct and concluded that engaging in a personal and sexual relationship with a former patient presented a significant breach of the CPSBC practice standards,” the public notice explained.

As part of a consent agreement between Jackson and the Inquiry Committee, Jackson will need to complete an independent medical assessment and an interview with registrar staff.

He has also agreed to comply with conditions on his practice and monitoring of his practice by the CPSBC.