Emergency

Emergency

Eligible physicians may be temporarily licensed in the emergency class at the request of

  • the federal minister of health,
  • the provincial health officer, or
  • when CPSBC determines there is an immediate need for medical services due to an actual or potential harm to public safety, health or welfare.

Types of licences

There are two classes of emergency licences:

  • emergency – family  
  • emergency – specialty

Eligible physicians can provide patient care in BC on a temporary basis to assist with a declared public health, health or welfare emergency. 

Requirements

Unless waived by CPSBC's registrar, an applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements to be granted the emergency licence:

  • be licensed and practising medicine in another Canadian jurisdiction, in the United States, or in another jurisdiction acceptable to the College
  • provide a certificate of professional conduct from the licensing body of the jurisdiction in which they currently practice confirming good standing in that jurisdiction
  • provide proof of identification

The emergency licence will be immediately cancelled on a date determined by the College.

How to apply

During a public safety, health or welfare emergency, physicians are advised to check this web page for emergency-specific information on how to apply for the emergency licence.

Maintaining the licence

The emergency licence is enacted following the declaration of a public health, health or welfare emergency. The licence extends only while an immediate need for medical services exists.

Licensing policiesarrow_right_alt
Learn more about the policies that the Licence Committee uses to consider applications
USA-trained FAQsarrow_right_alt
Frequently asked questions by USA-trained physicians and surgeons