Active health monitoring

How long can you be monitored for?

The duration of health monitoring depends on a licensee’s health condition. CPSBC will monitor for as long as a health condition is likely to have an impact on a licensee’s ability to work. 

It typically lasts two to five years and involves the recommendations of a care provider(s). The duration can be shorter if a licensee’s health improves to a stable state and the condition is well managed in relation to ongoing work. The duration may be longer or indefinite with a progressive, chronic, or recurrent condition. In the case of substance use disorders, health monitoring usually lasts a minimum of five years.

In all cases, CPSBC must be satisfied that the risk to patients and public has been mitigated, and must receive confirmation of fitness to practise and endorsement by the care provider that the condition is stable.

During active health monitoring

The monitored licensee is responsible for scheduling appointments at predetermined intervals with their care provider.

During this time, CPSBC stays in touch with the care providers on the health and fitness to practise of the licensee.

The progress reports confirm whether the licensee:

• continues to be a patient
• is compliant with treatment recommendations
• is compliant with biological monitoring (if applicable)
• is fit to practise medicine

Care providers will indicate in their report if the licensee has not seen them or if they have unsuccessfully attempted to schedule an appointment with the licensee. The Health Monitoring Program will follow up with the monitored licensee directly.

Before returning to work while being monitored

Before a licensee can return to work, the Health Monitoring Program needs the following:

• confirmation of fitness to practise from the care providers
• consent to engage with the care providers for periodic reports confirming fitness to practise