Recruitment posting
Medical Panels Commissioner
Competition #: 555
Ministry : Labour
Opening Date : 2018/08/31
closing Date : 2018/10/14
Role : Medical Panels Commissioner
It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies.
The Minister of Labour is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as a Medical Panels Commissioner of Medical Panels Office.
The Medical Panels Office (MPO) is responsible for administering the operation of the medical panels within Alberta as stated in the Workers' Compensation Act and the Medical Panels Regulation. As a result of Bill 30: An Act to Protect the Health and Well-Being of Working Albertans, the functions and responsibilities of the MPO has been expanded. The new functions will include:
- The maintenance of the roster of physicians eligible to perform independent medical examinations.
- Establishing procedures how workers can select a physician if the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) asks for an independent medical examination.
- Creation of a quality assurance framework for Medical Consultants in the WCB.
- Establishing a case conference process for before a medical panel is formally convened.
The MPO is a neutral and impartial agency that takes a collaborative, fact-based and focused approach to resolving disputes of medical opinions and helping injured workers have more involvement in this aspect of their workers' compensation claim.
In this senior official role you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Medical Panels Office. This includes all matters relating to arranging a medical panel when there is a medical dispute in a worker's claim within the workers' compensation system. In addition, you will be responsible for the administration and maintenance of the roster of physicians who are eligible to perform independent medical examinations. Your proven track record of fostering effective relationships with the health community, your experience as a medical practitioner, and your knowledge of the physician community will help you establish strong relationships with stakeholders across the workers' compensation system. Your extensive leadership experience is key in fulfilling the mandated responsibilities of the expanded Medical Panel Office and guiding the strategic, operational, and financial direction of the Office to meet the needs of Alberta’s workers, employers and the public.
The Medical Panels Commissioner is responsible for overseeing compliance will all relevant policies, procedures and standards by which the office operates, and ensuring compliance will all applicable laws and regulations to the highest ethical standards. Related legislation includes the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Medical Panels Regulation, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Health Information Act, the Government Organization Act, and the Revised Statutes of Alberta (RSA) 2000. The Medical Panels Office is an entity under the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA) as well as the Reform of Agencies, Boards and Commissions Act (RABCCA).
The Medical Panels Commissioner is accountable for the effective governance, efficient management and enhanced performance of the Medical Panels Office. Reporting to the Minister of Labour, the Medical Panels Commissioner is responsible for providing leadership and setting the strategic direction for the operations of the Medical Panels Office and reporting back to the Minister.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Direct and oversee the operation of the Medical Panels Office.
- Establish and lead the strategic, operational and financial direction of the Office.
- Actively work with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta to maintain a list of physicians interested in participating in medical panels.
- Ensure compliance to key pieces of legislation including the Medical Panels Regulation.
- Oversee the implementation of additional procedures relating to the establishment of medical panels.
- Direct and oversee the development and implementation of dispute resolution procedures.
- Direct and oversee the development and implementation of the physician roster for independent medical examinations and the process for which workers can select from that roster.
- Direct and oversee the development and implementation for the quality assurance program for the Workers’ Compensation Board medical consultants.
- Ensure fair, equitable and timely customer service to injured workers who contact the Medical Panels Office.
- Report to the Minister of Labour on key activities of the Medical Panels Office.
- Assume all other responsibilities of the Commissioner as set out in the Act and the Medical Panels Regulation.
- Oversee evaluation of the satisfaction of all participants in the Medical Panels process.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with stakeholders in the workers’ compensation system, other Boards and agencies across Canada.
- Ensure the Medical Panels Office and its processes are open, transparent and accountable.
Medical Panels Office has staff complement of six and the budget is $1.355 M (subject to change).
Contacts include the Minister, the Workers’ Compensation Board, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, physicians, injured workers and other stakeholders in the workers’ compensation system.
Other contacts include boards and agencies both inter and intra provincially across Canada and associations and foundations involved in the administrative justice community.
Appointments are for a term of 3 years with eligibility for reappointment for additional terms.
You have extensive experience as a medical practitioner, broad knowledge of Alberta’s health system and exceptional leadership skills. You bring a proven track record of fostering effective relationships within the health community supported with knowledge of applicable medical specialties and emerging medical issues.
Your background includes experience in consensus-based panel processes and governance practices, advanced analytical skills, and strengths in reviewing complex information and varying points of view. You are a skilled communicator, recognized for a reputation of applying impartiality, objectiveness and sound judgment in managing complex and sensitive issues. With a track record of exercising sound and consistent judgment, you have demonstrated expertise in managing complex issues with integrity and fairness.
Candidates must be registered as a regulated member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta holding a practice permit issued under the Health Professions Act, and is not under suspension and has no conditions affecting his/her ability to serve. Candidates not currently registered to practice medicine in Alberta must demonstrate eligibility for full licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
The Medical Panels Commissioner is a full-time position. The appointment is recommended by the Minister of Labour and made by an Order in Council approved by the Lieutenant Governor, pursuant to the Workers’ Compensation Act.
This position is a designated executive under Schedule 1 of the Reform of Agencies, Boards and Commissions Compensation Regulation. Compensation will be between $153,595 and $207,805 as stated under Schedule 2 of the Regulation.
Travel expenses will be paid in accordance with the Government of Alberta's Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expense Policy.
Office is located in Edmonton. Candidates should be available to travel throughout the province as required.
In addition to your cover letter and resume, we require a biography. Click HERE to download the biography form.
Once the forms are completed, save them to your PC. When you click on submit application, you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop or upload your completed biography form and others requested into the ‘Drop files below or click to upload’ section
Executive Search, Alberta Public Service Commission Phone: 780-408-8460
Email: executivesearch@gov.ab.ca
Carefully read the Recruitment Posting and the Position Profile to ensure this is an appropriate opportunity for you. Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements.
Online applications are preferred. To apply, click on the 'apply' button, create or sign into your account in the ePAAS system; upload your resume, view the listing under Current Opportunities and click on 'submit application'. The uploaded resume will be automatically attached.
Provide a short 4 line biography using the Biography template found under additional documents section. Your biography should include your name, current work experience, board/committee experience and relevant education. Please note that biographies may be edited for length and clarity.
Once your biography and other required form(s) are completed, save it to your PC. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography and other form(s) into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
If you are unable to apply online, please submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the recruitment posting competition number, to the contact provided on the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to assess which candidates' qualifications most closely match the agency's requirements. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted to advance to the next step in the appointment process. You can check the status of each competition on-line at https://www.alberta.ca/public-agencies.cfm.
All potential candidates will be screened for potential conflicts of interest. Please Note: Successful applicants will have the following information about them made publicly available on the Public Agency Secretariat Website: name, biography, public agency, and position title.