Image Credit: Image Credit: drkevinmiller.ca
August 10, 2020 - 7:30 AM
A former Vernon psychologist has been reprimanded by the regulatory board for sharing a patient's personal information without their consent.
Dr. Kevin David Miller has had conditions placed on his practice from the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. According to a College of Psychologists undertaking, Miller agreed to limitations being placed on him and a period of supervision lasting between three and six months, which could be extended to 12 months.
A College of Psychologists' decision July 30, says the period of supervision will cover all aspects of his practice with a focus on "obtaining and documenting informed consent before sharing information with anyone outside of a professional relationship."
The decision does not say where or when the complaint against Miller was made, only that it took place in the context of treatment that the psychologist had provided to a client "within a large organization." The College of Psychologists B.C. refused to name the large organization when asked by iNFOnews.ca for clarity.
Victoria-based Campbell & Fairweather Psychology Group confirmed Miller had joined the practice from Vernon roughly one year ago, and currently, all appointments are held virtually. It appears Miller once practiced under the name Vernon Psychology Practice from a property on Black Rock Road in Vernon. Miller's personal website does not list an address.
According to the decision, the complainant had other involvements within the large organization and "expressed concern that information was shared with other individuals within the organization without her consent."
The decision says Miller "was of the view" he was obliged to share the information with his supervisor but acknowledged that he had not obtained written consent from his patient.
"The client was also concerned that during her treatment (Miller) had become involved in her other matter and set conditions for how she engaged with the organization in order to continue receiving treatment from him," the decision reads.
"The complainant also raised concerns about the accuracy of information (Miller) provided to a collateral reference. This led to the Committee’s broader concern around how (Miller) responded to a request for information from a third party and his record-keeping," the decision says.
The decision says Miller no longer works within the "large organization" but the supervision period will also apply to his new practice setting.
Along with supervision in maintaining records and obtaining fully informed consent, Miller is also subject to "a review of his current practice to identify any similar practice considerations related to structuring treatment and maintaining boundaries where a third party or dual relationship might arise." The College also ordered Miller to write a letter of apology to the complainant and cover any costs related to his supervision.
Miller did not return our call by press time.
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