FREDERICTON, N.B. – New Brunswick’s medical society is asking the province’s doctors not to sign contracts with the regional health authorities, saying they contain a gag order.

The society says doctors could start losing hospital privileges and possibly even their billing numbers if they don’t sign new contracts starting in early January.

The medical society first spoke out on the issue earlier this year, accusing the regional health authorities of trying to muzzle doctors in an effort to avoid public criticism and embarrassment.

Some New Brunswick doctors have recently been vocal against the decision to allow Canadian Blood Services to remove some of its services from the province, and a lack of access to operating rooms.