Make sure your health professional is licensed and accountable
People who are not licensed with CPSBC could put your health and safety at risk.
Unauthorized practitioners are not bound by the same high standards
Unauthorized practitioners are not licensed with CPSBC
They do not have the required skills, knowledge and qualifications to practise medicine in BC. They do not hold a licence to practise medicine and are not bound by the same high standards as CPSBC licensees.
They engage in the unauthorized practice of medicine and may
- provide incorrect or incomplete advice about the benefits and risks of a certain treatment, which means that the client is unable to give informed consent
- not following appropriate protocols for sterilization and infection control, subjecting their clients to an increased risk of infection and blood-borne diseases
- perform procedures that may result in the destruction of skin tissue, which would ordinarily be sent to a laboratory for analysis of possible disease requiring medical treatment
- use drugs or other substances without understanding all their properties and contraindications
- use drugs or other substances for improper purposes, or in inappropriate quantities, which could expose clients to the risk of serious harm or death
- perform procedures, use devices or administer substances that may not be authentic or approved for use in Canada
- use imitations or counterfeit substances of unknown origins—unlicensed practitioners are often not able to obtain prescription substances such as botulinum toxin (Botox) and hyaluronic acid (dermal fillers)
Unauthorized practitioners are not insured
Clients would have difficulty seeking recourse in cases where such practitioners cause injury due to negligence. You could be left without compensation for injuries, medical bills or lost wages.
Procedures commonly performed by unauthorized practitioners
These services may not be provided by people who are not licensed with a regulatory body governed by the Health Professions and Occupations Act and eligible under their scope of practice, even if they are offered without expectation of payment:
- minor surgical procedures (e.g. thread lifts)
- invasive cosmetic procedures (e.g. eyelid surgery)
- mole removal
- chelation therapy
- injection of botulinum toxin A (Botox)
- injection of hyaluronic acid (dermal fillers)
- injection of local anesthetic or other substances dispensed by pharmacies
- diagnostic services such as MRIs, ultrasounds and X-rays
What CPSBC does to protect the public from an unauthorized practitioner
CPSBC's approach may vary depending on the circumstances, including:
- the availability of evidence of unauthorized practice
- the degree of potential harm to members of the public
- whether CPSBC has previously corresponded with the individual on the issue of unauthorized practice
Cease and desist
CPSBC will contact the unauthorized practitioner and provide them with information outlining CPSBC’s mandate, a description of the way in which they are contravening the legislation, and required changes in order to remedy CPSBC’s concerns.
These concerns may involve
- providing services that fall under the practice of medicine, and/or
- using titles which are reserved for CPSBC licensees, particularly in a way that may mislead members of the public into thinking they are licensed to practise medicine.
Undertaking
CPSBC can require the unauthorized practitioner to sign a legally binding document called an undertaking to agree not to engage in the practice of medicine and/or use titles reserved for CPSBC-licensed physicians and surgeons.
Search and seizure
CPSBC can apply to the Supreme Court for an order that allows a CPSBC representative to
- search the property of the suspected unauthorized practitioner, and
- seize records, assets and other items for further investigation.
Permanent injunction
CPSBC can apply to the Supreme Court for an injunction to restrain a person from practising medicine or posing as a CPSBC licensee.
What CPSBC cannot do
On its own, CPSBC does not have the authority to actively or immediately prevent an unauthorized practitioner from practising medicine unlawfully. With adequate evidence, CPSBC is able to enforce its mandate via the courts.
We cannot do the following:
- direct or influence the payment of financial compensation on a client’s behalf
- order an unauthorized practitioner to compensate clients for damages
- compensate injured clients on behalf of unauthorized practitioners
Clients who have been injured by an unauthorized practitioner may wish to seek recourse from the unauthorized practitioner through civil litigation.
While CPSBC is unable to submit a complaint to the police on a client’s behalf where illegal activities are suspected, we may report the matter to the police for further action when required.
Do they hold a CPSBC licence?
Here are some ways to make sure someone offering medical services or claiming to be a physician or surgeon are licensed with CSPBC.
Report an unauthorized practitioner
Report someone you think may be practising without a licence.