Regulatory modernization is something CPSBC, other health regulators, and the Ministry of Health have been working towards for several years, since Harry Cayton’s 2018 report to the Ministry of Health. Much of our efforts will finally come to fruition in 2026 with the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) coming into force on April 1.
Our priority for the first part of this year will be to ensure that we are operationally ready for day one and to enable a smooth transition for registrants (licensees under the HPOA). We are currently directing the majority of our resources and efforts towards finalizing updates to our internal systems, policies and procedures. While there will be several key changes to our internal processes and operations, the way registrants currently engage and interact with CPSBC will mostly remain the same under the new legislation.
What the HPOA will noticeably impact is how BC’s health regulators fulfill their mandate to protect the public. Health regulators will now place an even greater emphasis on approaching their work through an anti-discriminatory lens. This includes protecting patients from harms caused by discrimination and supporting and promoting reconciliation with Indigenous people. This is a necessary and significant shift as we address the need for a fair, equitable and accessible health-care system.
Patient safety is at the forefront of CPSBC’s work and there are opportunities to align that with the government’s goal of enhancing public protection through the HPOA and our new Bylaws. As part of this transition, our current practice standards, which reflect the minimal standard of professional behaviour and ethical conduct expected of registrants, will become Bylaws, ensuring action can be taken if a contravention occurs. For those wanting to learn more about the HPOA and the new Bylaws, I encourage you to watch these recorded webinars that were held last fall. The webinars focus on how the HPOA and the new Bylaws will affect specific areas of regulation and address questions raised during the bylaw consultation process.
Among the significant developments under the HPOA will be the introduction of support programs as part of our complaints process. Work is currently underway to establish these programs, which will assist patients involved in complaints alleging sexual misconduct, sexual abuse and discrimination. The discipline process for such complaints will be overseen by a new Health Professions Discipline Tribunal.
Towards the second half of this year, our priority will shift to incorporating four new professions into CPSBC’s regulatory framework. The following professions will be regulated by CPSBC starting November 29, 2027:
- clinical perfusionists
- medical laboratory technologists
- radiation therapists
- respiratory therapists
I have already started meeting with the respective associations to learn more about each profession and their role in our health-care system. An internal project team has been formed to further consult with each profession, and to develop new licensing procedures and applicable policies and standards.
The landscape in which we all work is evolving, presenting us with both emerging challenges and opportunities. I will continue to provide updates on these important changes over the coming months.
Patrick Rowe, MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP
Registrar and CEO
Comments on this or any other article published in the College Connector can be submitted to the communications and public affairs department at communications@cpsbc.ca.