There are several changes to CPSBC’s complaints process under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), which came into force on April 1, 2026. Among those changes is the introduction of disciplinary orders.
What is a disciplinary order?
A disciplinary order is an order made against a licensee to resolve an administrative matter, regulatory complaint or citation. An administrative matter is new under the HPOA and refers to matters such as a breach of an undertaking, failure to meet duties to CPSBC, and failure to comply with a disciplinary order.
There are different types of disciplinary orders that may result in a range of outcomes for licensees:
- the suspension or revocation of a licence
- limits and conditions imposed on a licensee’s practice
- reprimand
- undertaking to not repeat conduct that is subject to a complaint
- restorative orders that direct licensees to reengage in a process that reflects or is influenced by Indigenous practices, or another appropriate type of resolution
- monetary penalties
- any other action to remedy a breach of contravention (e.g. education/training, or assessment of competency)
A disciplinary order can be made by the CPSBC registrar, the Investigation Committee, or the Director of Discipline. The Director of Discipline leads an independent tribunal that oversees the discipline process for regulated health professions in BC.
Publication of disciplinary orders
Certain types of disciplinary orders will be published on the licensee’s profile on CPSBC’s website in the interest of public safety along with the reasons for the order. These include:
- citations from the Director of Discipline that list charges made against a regulated health professional and communicate the intent to proceed with a disciplinary hearing
- summary protection orders that suspend or impose limits and conditions on a licence
- orders for monetary penalties
A licensee’s consent is generally required to issue a disciplinary order, with some exceptions. CPSBC must publish an order once consent is provided. Generally, matters closed by a registrar review or the Investigation Committee resulting in a warning or advice will not be published.
More information about disciplinary orders is available on CPSBC’s website.