Premier Horgan has announced that next week is the start of the transition to phase 2 of the government’s COVID-19 response. This includes the expansion of community-based healthcare services under enhanced protocols.

As we advised registrants last week, CPBC has been working with BC Health Regulators and the Provincial Health Officer to obtain further guidance and protocols to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in this phase of the response to the pandemic.

This email blast provides links to two very important documents:

  1. Document 1 is a new letter from Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer
  2. Document 2 is a CPBC document prepared for Registrants after extensive consultation with the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control, WorkSafeBC and other health regulators
  1. Important Update Letter from the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry (May 15, 2020) 

In this letter to healthcare professionals, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry discusses the easing of restrictions on health care services beginning the week of May 19. She highlights the accountability of health professionals to ensure the health and safety of patients and clients, colleagues, and support staff in every healthcare setting.  Read Dr. Henry’s letter here

2.Transitioning Psychology to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Response Plan (May 15, 2020) 

This interim guidance document consolidates CPBC guidance and expectations for registrants, including decision making with regard to offering in-person versus virtual services.

This document is aligned — and should be read in tandem — with guidance from the following agencies:

  • The BC Centre for Disease Control
  • Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer
  • Worksafe BC

The document may be accessed here.   The document itself provides links to the documents from the three above agencies.

Please note that the material provided by these agencies will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.  Registrants are expected to regularly consult these agencies’ websites to remain informed about any changes.

These documents are important as registrants face ongoing decisions regarding their practice of psychology during the pandemic.  As always, feedback is invited through feedback@collegeofpsychologists.bc.ca

Wishing all registrants a good long weekend.

Sincerely Yours,

Andrea M. Kowaz, Ph.D., R.Psych.
Registrar