On March 23, 2020, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer addressed all regulated health professionals in BC, regarding the provision of healthcare services. Healthcare professionals were asked to limit the delivery of in-person services in community settings, and this message remains current despite the recent mentioning of lifting some of these measures at a future date.

To be clear, the message from the Provincial Health Officer continues to be that “all non-essential and elective services involving direct physical contact with patients should be reduced to minimal levels, subject to allowable exceptions, until further notice.” Regulated health professionals are encouraged to continue providing services via telehealth, where possible.

Timelines as to when non-urgent, in-person care may resume still remain unknown. This direction will be provided by the Provincial Health Officer at the appropriate time. In the meantime, we ask that registrants continue to stay the course, limit in-person services to those patients who require urgent or emergency care that may not be delivered via telehealth. Please continue to consult the College’s website for the most up to date information available.