Order on Consent – Dr. Joachim Kapalanga

On November 1, 2023 a complaint was filed by BB against Dr. Joachim Kapalanga regarding Dr. Kapalanga’s work as a locum pediatrician at the Prince County Hospital. The specific allegations involved the management of hypoglycemia and apnea in a newborn, inadequate documentation, and lack of communication/handover. The Investigation Committee (the “Committee”) investigated the complaint and discovered evidence which led the Committee to conclude that Dr. Kapalanga’s behavior may constitute professional misconduct as outlined in section 57(1)(a.1) of the Regulated Health Professions Act, RSPEI 1988, c.R-10.1 (the “RHPA”),  and sections 34.(1) (q) and (z) of the Medical Practitioners Regulations, or incompetence as outlined in section 57(2)(a)(i) of the RHPA.

Section 57(1) (a.1) of the RHPA states as follows:

57.         Professional misconduct

(1)           The conduct of a respondent may be found to constitute professional misconduct if

                ….

(a.1)       in the opinion of the investigation committee or the hearing committee, the conduct is harmful to the best interests of a client or other person, or to the integrity of the profession;

Sections 34(1) (q) and (z) of the Medical Practitioners Regulations state as follows:

34.         Conduct that constitutes professional misconduct

(1)           Pursuant to clause 57(1)(e) of the Act, in addition to the matters set out in subsection 57(1) of the act, professional misconduct by a member includes

                ….

(q)           failing to maintain the records and accounts that are required by the College to be kept by members with respect to their practice;

                ….

(z)           engaging in conduct or an act relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by medical practitioners as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional;

Section 57(2)(a)(i) of the RHPA states as follows:

57.         Incompetence

(2)           The conduct of a respondent may be found to constitute incompetence where

             (a)           an act or omission of the respondent

                          (i) demonstrates a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment,

The Committee determined that several Orders should be issued. Dr. Kapalanga accepted the findings of the Investigation Committee and consented to the following Orders:

1. Dr. Kapalanga shall be required to successfully complete the Communication Course for Health Care Professionals offered by the University of British Columbia. This course is at the expense of Dr. Kapalanga and should be completed within 6 months of the date this document is signed, with proof of attendance provided to the College;
2. Dr. Kapalanga shall be required to successfully complete the Medical Records Keeping Course offered by Dalhousie University. This course is at the expense of Dr. Kapalanga, and should be completed within 6 months of the date this document is signed, with proof of attendance provided to the College;
3. Dr. Kapalanga shall be issued a letter of reprimand by the Registrar for failure to adequately manage the patient’s persistent and severe hypoglycemia and apneic spells, failure to adequately document care, and inadequate communication during transfer of the patient;
4. Dr. Kapalanga shall pay part of the cost of this discipline process to help defray the financial impact on the College, in the amount of $2,500 to be paid within 6 months of signing this document; and,
5. Dr. Kapalanga shall be issued a fine in the amount of $2,500.00 to be paid within 6 months of signing this document.

Upon completion of the requirements of these Orders, the discipline process pertaining to the BB complaint against Dr. Kapalanga, will be concluded.