Report an unlicensed practitioner
How to report concerns regarding unlicensed practice
If you have concerns about someone engaging in the unlicensed practice of medicine, you can bring it to our attention by:
- calling 604-733-7758 (toll free 1-800-461-3008)
- emailing through the online form
- completing the Unlawful Practice of Medicine Report
- mailing a letter to:
Investigations Department
College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC
300–669 Howe Street
Vancouver BC V6C 0B4
Canada
Reports about unlicensed practitioners should be comprehensive and contain sufficient detail to allow the College to conduct an investigation.
While reports can be made anonymously, we may require the person making the report to identify themselves in a court affidavit in order to take legal action against the unlicensed practitioner. The College’s options for action against the practitioner may be limited without evidence from someone who has received treatment from an unlicensed practitioner.
Some medical services, procedures or treatments may be performed by other health-care professionals
Dentists, naturopathic physicians, podiatrists and registered nurses, who are regulated by other colleges under the Health Professions Act, may be authorized to perform some medical services, procedures or treatments.
Ask the health professional if they are licensed and registered
If you have doubts about whether someone is regulated, feel free to ask the health professional if they are licensed and registered under the Health Professions Act.
Contact the health professional’s regulatory authority to:
- inquire about the proposed treatment or procedure
- determine whether it is appropriate for that health professional to perform the treatment or procedure
To find out more about what these health professionals are authorized to do, or to obtain contact information for the regulatory organization that governs these professions, visit www.bchealthregulators.ca.