Make sure your health professional is regulated, licensed and accountable
The College’s public protection mandate includes ensuring that people who are not registered or licensed with the College do not provide any service or treatment that is considered the “practice of medicine.” The practice of medicine is a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act. Only physicians and surgeons who are licensed and registered with the College (known as College registrants) are authorized to practise medicine in BC.
Individuals who claim to be College registrants, and/or who offer medical services without being licensed and registered with the College are engaging in unlawful practice.
The risks of seeing an unlicensed practitioner
Types of unlawful practice commonly encountered
Types of unlawful practice commonly encountered
What the College can do to protect the public from an unlicensed practitioner
What the College cannot do
How to report concerns regarding unlawful practice
Frequently Asked Questions
How can patients ensure that a physician is licensed to practise medicine in BC?
Who is permitted to practise medicine in BC?
Who is eligible to use the title “doctor” and its abbreviations?
Can an esthetician or medical office assistant administer Botox and/or dermal fillers?
Can a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse administer Botox and/or dermal fillers?
Can an individual submit a complaint to the College about an unlicensed practitioner anonymously?