Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issues expectations for regulated health professionals during COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 23, 2020, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an important update for all regulated healthcare professionals in BC. This update provides further guidance for healthcare professionals regulated under the Health Professions Act that provide patient care in community settings.

The update does not apply to regulated healthcare professionals when providing patient and client care in designated facilities or institutions regulated by the Hospital Act, the Health Authorities Act, the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the Mental Health Act, or other relevant Acts.

The first expectation listed in the update reads as follows: “All non-essential and elective services involving direct physical contact with patients and clients should be reduced to minimal levels, subject to allowable exceptions, until further notice.”

Dr. Henry’s update outlines allowable exceptions, and details other expectations of regulated healthcare professionals. Furthermore, it notes that – where possible and appropriate – healthcare professionals are encouraged to provide care via telephone and video interactions with patients.