News

The College has recently updated several practice standards: Treatment of Self, Family Members and Others Close to You, Ending the Patient-registrant Relationship, Access to Medical Care Without Discrimination, Medical Records Management and Medical Records Documentation.

The College is currently drafting a new Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility and Anti-racism practice standard to clearly communicate its expectations of physicians and surgeons in providing culturally safe care to Indigenous patients. All members of the public are encouraged to share their feedback on the draft standard’s core concepts, especially those who identify as Indigenous.

On September 24, 2021, the College Board approved amendments to section 7-4 of the Bylaws under the Health Professions Act, RSBC 1996, c.183.

In light of reports of illegitimate COVID-19 vaccine exemption and deferral letters circulating in the community, the College is issuing guidance to assist the public with determining whether a vaccine exemption or deferral letter was legitimately issued by a physician.

On September 24, 2021, the College Board approved the addition of Part 10 to the Bylaws under the Health Professions Act, RSBC 1996, c.183, specifically, sections 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, and 10-5.

Read the September/October issue of the College Connector.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia held its 2021 Annual General Meeting virtually on September 24, 2021. A recording of the meeting is available here.

Ivermectin is an anthelmintic approved in Canada for veterinary and human use. In humans, ivermectin is only approved for treatment of parasitic infections (oral) and rosacea (topical). The most effective strategy for preventing COVID-19 continues to be immunization and all Health Canada approved vaccines provide a high level of protection.

The Leaving Practice practice standard has been revised to clarify that registrants must ensure that a contingency plan is in place in the event of sudden death or other circumstances where the registrant is abruptly unavailable.

The College would like to humbly acknowledge and reflect on Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which commemorates the history and ongoing trauma of Canada’s colonial past and residential school system. The College is also commemorating Orange Shirt Day, which honours the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools.

At its meeting last week, the College Board expressed great concern and compassion for the challenges facing all of you as the pandemic continues in this fourth wave. On behalf of the Board, we offer you our deep gratitude and admiration for the unwavering commitment you have made to care for BC patients.

The College has published a revised version of the Laser Safety practice standard. Key edits include a title change, clarification on the definition of a medical laser and the inclusion of clear practice principles to communicate registrant expectations, including the responsibilities of the medical director.