Changes to Info on Disciplined Health Professionals

By Submitted Article

Victoria, B.C.  The Ministry of Health for B.C. has announced that effective Nov. 1, changes to health profession colleges will protect British Columbia patients and provide the public with information about health professionals who have been disciplined.

The requirements are part of the Health Professions Regulatory Reform  Amendment Act, which was passed in May of this year. 

Not only will Colleges  have to publicly post the results of the disciplinary proceedings, they will also be required to notify complainants of the outcome of investigations into allegations of professional misconduct. Colleges can comply with the public posting requirements by issuing a notice on their website.

Also taking effect Nov. 1, are requirements that will allow colleges to take disciplinary action against members who have been found guilty of unprofessional conduct in another jurisdiction or while practising as a registrant of another British Columbia college.

The requirements will apply to the 15 self-regulated health professions in British Columbia that are currently designated under the Health Professions Act. These professions covered include: nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy and psychology. Some health profession colleges that are not included under the November requirement like the College of Physicians and Surgeons already voluntarily report on disciplinary hearings.

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