The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) represents a significant modernization of the legislative landscape, with a stronger focus on accountability, consistency, and public protection. One area where these changes are notable is in continuing competency requirements.
What is the same
At a high level, the core expectations for continued competency remain unchanged. Licensees must continue to engage in ongoing professional development and maintain competence in their respective fields.
- Medical practitioners must comply with the requirements of recognized national bodies such as the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), or the Collège des médecins du Québec
- Podiatric surgeons are required to complete 30 hours of approved continuing professional development annually
- Associate physicians must comply with the continuing competency or professional development requirements of the associate physician program
- Physician assistants must comply with the requirements of either the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada or the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)In all cases, CPSBC retains authority to request proof of compliance and supporting documentation.
What has changed
While the foundational expectations remain consistent, the HPOA introduces enhanced enforcement mechanisms with clearer and more structured consequences for non-compliance:
- Licensees who fail to meet requirements before the last day of February must submit documentation and pay a fee
- The registrar now has explicit authority to issue notice of pending suspension for failing to complete requirements
- If deficiencies are not resolved within 60 days, licence suspension occurs automatically until requirements are met
Looking ahead
Licensees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated requirements and ensure their continuing competency activities are documented, reported, and completed within the prescribed timelines.