Health care workers enter Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, B.C., on March 26.Jennifer Gauthier/The Globe and Mail
This week, B.C.’s Bill 36 will take effect, marking the province’s biggest change to how health care professionals are regulated in decades.
Changes to The Health Professions and Occupations Act include new disciplinary procedures and the elimination of the disciplinary appeals process. Board members will also be provincially appointed rather than elected by college licensees.
Providers, opposition criticize coming B.C. law that changes how health professionals are regulated
The act applies to all health professionals regulated by a professional college, from doctors, surgeons and nurses to dentists, optometrists and dietitians, among others.
Health care providers and opposition politicians have criticized the province for not consulting with doctors on the legislation, and have raised concerns of government overreach. Some professionals said they fear reprisal if they speak out against the health care system under the new rules.
Opinion: B.C.’s move away from self-regulation for health workers is imperfect, but overdue
For a future story, we want to hear from B.C. health professionals and their patients about how they feel about the changes. Do you think these regulations will make a difference? Has it affected your plans for your career? Patients, what have you heard from your providers?
Share your story in the form below, or send us an e-mail at audience@globeandmail.com.
Doctors and patients, how do you feel about B.C.’s regulation changes?
This week, B.C.’s Bill 36 will take effect, marking the province’s biggest change to how healthcare professionals are regulated in decades. We want to hear from B.C. health professionals and their patients about how they feel about the changes. Do you think these regulations will make a difference? Has it affected your plans for your career? Patients, what have you heard from your providers? Share your story in the box below.