The PSRC is advisory in nature and makes recommendations through the chairperson. While the committee’s consensus report is limited by the data provided, efforts are made to obtain all available, relevant information. It is not within the mandate of the committee to re-open other investigations (e.g. criminal proceedings) that may have already occurred.

Information collected and examined by the PSRC, as well as its final report, are for the sole purpose of a coroner’s investigation pursuant to the Coroners Act.

All information obtained as a result of coroners’ investigations and provided to the PSRC is subject to confidentiality and privacy limitations imposed by the Coroners Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Unless and until an inquest is called with respect to a specific death or deaths, the confidentiality and privacy interests of the decedents, as well as those involved in the circumstances of the death, will prevail. Medical records, draft and consensus reports (with identifying information) and the minutes of committee meetings are confidential documents and are not publically released. Redacted reports prepared by the PSRC do not contain personal information and are available to the public. Recommendations and responses to recommendations are available to the public.

Each committee member has entered into and is bound by the terms of a confidentiality agreement that recognizes these interests and limitations.

Members of the committee do not give opinions outside the coroners’ system about cases reviewed. In particular, members do not act as experts at civil trials for cases that the PSRC has reviewed.

Members do not participate in discussions or prepare reports of clinical cases where they have (or may have) a conflict of interest, or perceived conflict of interest, whether personal or professional.