Bill 36
Although we do not typically post articles of a political nature, for patient advocacy reasons, we believe that Bill 36 is extremely important for you to be aware of. We want to help our patients, and the public, become aware of changes in how healthcare workers are regulated in BC.
On November 24, 2022 the 3rd reading of Bill 36 was passed into Royal Assent in the BC Legislature. The “Health Professions Act” was replaced by the “Health Professions and Occupations Act” (HPOA).
The HPOA contains significant changes that will affect the oversight and regulation of healthcare colleges in BC.
These changes include:
Amalgamating 11 BC health profession colleges before the end of June 2024. Naturopaths will be in a new “College of Complementary and Alternative Health Professions”, along with chiropractors, massage therapists, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and acupuncturists. After all amalgamations are completed, there will be six health profession colleges in total.
College boards will comprise of 50% of health professionals, and 50% public—all appointed by an “independent Superintendent”
The BC Ministry of Health and the regulatory college boards will decide what is in the best interest of the public
Disciplinary measures possible for healthcare professionals who disagree with government policies/mandates include: loss of license, inability to renew or register for a license, fines up to $200,000, jail time up to 6 months
We are concerned about the impact this may have on the public and their ability to make informed choices for their own health and wellness.
Do you trust government appointees being able to impose arbitrary conditions of licensure, restrictions on the ability to practise, determine who has good character and who does not, and mandate medical interventions?
The health minister will have overreaching power in the form of a discipline tribunal, but what will warrant disciplinary action? Could being critical of the government or the College bring reprisals on well-intentioned healthcare professionals?
Do you want your government, or your doctor (or other health-care professional), making decisions about your healthcare? After all, the government will have the power through the courts to compel a doctor or other health professional to comply with government direction. Should this not be an informed discussion between a patient and their health-care professional?
Please consider reviewing this information—here is the link to BC Ministry of Health where you can start to learn more. Write to your MLA to voice any concerns you may have.
Here is a link for a summary of Bill 36 information: