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Can a family doctor end the patient relationship? What CPSBC's standard says

CPSBC's practice standard lists the reasons a doctor may and may not end the patient relationship, and the steps the doctor must follow when doing so.

Updated 2026-10-13

Yes, but only for limited reasons and by following steps

A family doctor can end a relationship with a patient, but not at any time or for any reason. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) practice standard "Ending the Patient Relationship" sets out which reasons are acceptable and what the doctor must do. It was updated in April 2026. [1]

Reasons the standard accepts

  • The patient threatens or abuses the doctor or staff
  • The patient poses a risk of harm to others
  • The patient clearly says they do not trust this doctor
  • After repeated discussion, the patient still does not pay fees that are owed
  • The patient has moved to another city and cannot be seen in person
  • The doctor is reducing the size of the practice. How patients are chosen must be documented and consistent, and the doctor cannot single out complex patients

Before ending the relationship, the doctor should first try to talk with the patient and resolve the problem. [1]

Reasons that are not acceptable

  • A complex condition, such as chronic pain, addiction or mental illness
  • The patient politely declined the doctor's advice
  • The patient wants a treatment the doctor opposes on scientific or religious grounds
  • Grounds of discrimination prohibited by the BC Human Rights Code
  • Behaviour caused by cognitive impairment, unless there is a clear safety risk

The same goes for block fees: another CPSBC standard says that not paying a block fee cannot be a reason to refuse or stop seeing a patient. [3]

What the doctor must do once the reason is valid

  1. Notify the patient in writing, and normally in person as well.
  2. Allow time for the patient to find a new doctor. The standard gives no set number of days; it depends on the situation.
  3. During that time, keep renewing prescriptions and follow up the results of tests already ordered.
  4. Do not abandon the patient in an emergency.
  5. Give the patient a copy of the records, or transfer them promptly to the new doctor.

In other words, a notice saying the doctor will no longer see you from next month is not the whole process; the handover steps above are part of what the standard requires. [1]

Where to raise a concern

You can file a written complaint with CPSBC at 604-733-7758 ext. 2109 or [email protected]; the CPSBC complaints page explains how to submit one. CPSBC regulates how doctors practise. It does not help patients recover money. [1][2]

After the relationship ends

You can register again with the Health Connect Registry to be matched with a family doctor, or call 811 for advice. [1]

This is a summary of the CPSBC standard. For any specific case, rely on the original text and CPSBC's reply. In an emergency, call 911.

Sources