Assessment Request Pathway

We explain how it works, anonymously if you wish, along with the potential impacts of your assessment:

• Verbal and written information are provided. 
• If your practice is determined to be safe because it does not involve any exposure-prone procedures, a letter is prepared and can be sent to you upon request.
• If your practice involves exposure-prone procedures, your consent is required before any other steps are taken.
• This consent includes obtaining your personal information.
   

SERTIH advises informants that it cannot conduct an individual assessment without the consent of the concerned caregiver. 

You decide to withdraw from the process and remain anonymous

SERTIH reminds you of your ethical obligations.

You want to continue and you consent to an assessment of your file

SERTIH collects the necessary information from you and your attending physician.

An ad-hoc assessment committee is formed.

SERTIH's assessing physician presents your situation to the ad hoc assessment committee, without naming you.

• The SERTIH team prepares an assessment report and sends it to you.
• A copy of the report is sent to your professional order or educational institution.
• Any SERTIH recommendations for clinical follow-up are also sent directly to your attending physician.
   

If applicable, informants may be referred to the regional director of public health.

If necessary, the regional director of public health may use his investigative powers under the Public Health Act to advise the responsible organization (professional order, educational institution, or employer). The organization may decide that you are unfit to perform exposure-prone procedures if you have not obtained a SERTIH assessment.

If SERTIH identifies any potential health threats or risks for people you have cared for, in compliance with the law, it reports the situation to the regional director of public health, who then assess the need to recall these people for screening.