Health care expert calls Prince Albert nurse crackdown 'overzealous prosecution'

The case of a Prince Albert nurse facing discipline after speaking out about quality of care has one health care expert questioning the legitimacy of industry self-regulation.

• Facebook post leaves Prince Albert, Sask. nurse charged with professional misconduct

Saskatoon-based health policy analyst Steven Lewis has taken a look at the case against CarolynStrom, a nurse who spoke out on social media about the way her grandfather was treated at a palliative care home.

Is self-regulation an idea that has had its day?- Steven Lewis, policy analyst

"There seems to be an overzealous prosecution of one of their members for speaking up on issues that are of interest to the public, under the guise of damaging the profession," he said.

"I think the fundamental question is, in the end, is self-regulation an idea that has had its day?"

The main problem, as Lewis sees it, is that although the function of the health industry's self-regulation is to serve the public at large, the regulators themselves are elected by their membership.

"I would say that there is always a risk of them acting in their own interest," he said.

Public warned to remain vigilant

Lewis went on to suggest simple changes to restore credibility. For example, regulating bodies could invite more public participation.In addition, he saidtransparency in the disciplinary process would help.

"The more open it is, and the more people can actually see inside that black box, I think the chances for justice go up."

Until changes are made, Lewis saidthe public will have to remain vigilant and understand that self-regulatory bodies may not be working in their best interest.