Committee: Discipline
Decision Date: 13 Jan 2012
Summary:
On January 13, 2012, the Discipline Committee found that Dr. Hung-Tat Lo committed an act of professional misconduct, in that he failed to maintain the standard of practice of the profession.
Record-keeping
Dr. Lo failed to maintain the standard of practice in record-keeping with respect to Patient A. The patient's record was largely illegible and most entries contained scant information. Changes to medications were made at the last three appointments without documented communication with Patient A's family doctor, who was managing the patient's medications on a more consistent basis. Risk assessments and their conclusions were not documented.
Dr. Lo also failed to maintain the standard of practice in record-keeping with respect to fourteen of fifteen patients. Patient records were largely illegible and transcriptions were required for review. The patient encounter entries were generally scant. Most charts did not have the initial history, diagnosis and treatment plan charted in any detail. There was a general lack of pertinent negative findings, and mental status exams and risk assessments were not documented.
Care and Treatment
Dr. Lo failed to maintain the standard of practice in his care and treatment of Patient A with respect to his collateral fact gathering and follow-up. Dr. Lo also failed to maintain the standard of practice in his care and treatment of two patients, in that he: 1) failed to adequately monitor the Lithium level of one patient and failed to make the necessary inquires that would have led to the disclosure of the patient's thyroid carcinoma; and 2) managed an alcoholic patient with out-dated treatment and inappropriate use of antabuse.
On February 7, 2013, the Committee ordered and directed that Dr. Lo shall:
1. undergo, at his own expense, a re-assessment of his practice within 12 months which shall include a review of his documentation and record-keeping, his appropriate prescription and monitoring of Lithium in clinical practice, his communications with family members and family physicians, and his identification and referral to specialists of patients in his care with comorbid alcoholism;
2. abide by all recommendations provided by the Assessor;
3. attend for a reprimand on a date to be fixed within 3 months; and
4. pay costs of $3,650 to the College within 30 days
Decision: Download Full Decision (PDF)
Appeal: No Appeal
Hearing Date(s): Fe1-5,9-11,Ap22,23,Jn14-17,Se27-30,2010,Fe7-8,2011