September 23, 2021
BC Health Regulators Mark Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2021 will mark Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation “to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour those who were lost and the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve.”
BC Health Regulators (BCHR) and its member colleges acknowledge the atrocities of the residential school system and we share in the sorrow and outrage expressed by First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, and all Canadians.
Registrants will find more information about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as well as key learning resources for health professionals at the BCHR website at: https://bchealthregulators.ca/bchr-observes-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/.
Please be advised that the College offices will be closed on September 30th.
BCHR Statement on COVID-19 Misinformation
BCHR has published a statement on the responsibilities of health professionals regarding the provision of advice or opinions on COVID-19 immunization or any medical or health concern related to COVID-19. This advice is similar to that provided by the College to registrants on February 8th, 2021, and which is available within the registrant portal in the archived registrant updates. The BCHR statement is available at https://bchealthregulators.ca/bchr-statement-on-covid-19-misinformation/.
Anticipated Revised COVID-19 Guidance for Allied Care Professionals
Since the announcement of the new Provincial Health Officer (PHO) mandate on face coverings (a link to which may be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-face-coverings.pdf), CPBC and other allied care health professions regulators have been in ongoing communication with staff of the Ministry of Health and the PHO regarding updated guidance on community based private practice in the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. CPBC will notify registrants when that guidance becomes available. Until then, registrants are reminded that, as the PHO’s September 2, 2021 Order has outlined, even vaccinated individuals can contract SARS-CoV-2 and transmit the virus to others, and properly worn face coverings are one measure that has been shown to suppress transmission and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Virtual Versus In-Person Services
Registrants are expected to continue to use their professional judgement to determine the appropriateness of providing in-person versus remote psychological services on a case-by-case basis. The ongoing use of digital technology to provide virtual care may still be a very good, or the preferred, option. If client/patient screening reveals risk factors for COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19, where reasonable, defer in person services until signs and symptoms have resolved. The College does not expect any registrant to provide services unless, in their professional opinion, it is safe to do so for clients/patients, staff, and themselves.