Doctors group warns BC’s regulatory changes could lead to fewer physicians and longer wait times

A group representing medical professionals has warned that changes to regulatory oversight for health-care professionals taking effect Wednesday could lead to doctors taking early retirement or leaving the province.

The new rules, part of the Health Professions and Occupations Act passed in 2022, will create a new independent oversight office and disciplinary tribunal for health professionals accused of wrongdoing, overseen by province-appointed officials.

It’s a change that will affect a wide range of previously self-regulated professions, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and psychologists.

The legislation came as a result of a 2018 review that found that health professional colleges in BC showed “Lack of sustained attention to patient safety“And recommended revising the regulatory process to increase its independence and accountability.

It has been sharply criticized by some groups representing health care workers and officials.

Doctors of BC president and family physician Adam Thompson said doctors have expressed widespread fears about the law, including that decisions can no longer be appealed to the BC Supreme Court and that health-care rules could be politicized by future governments because of the number of government appointments.

There are some aspects of the regulations he supports – including stronger consequences for discrimination – but he is concerned about how provincial appointments could change the regulatory process.

He said he’s heard from late-career doctors who are potentially considering their decision to retire early, and he’s concerned it could lead others to leave the province.

“The risk for patients is that it will become harder to get a family doctor, or the waiting lists with specialists will become longer, or access to specialty care will become worse,” Thompson said.

When asked why health-care workers might be more likely to retire early or leave the province because of the rules — e.g. Quebec looked into the wake of the changes As for its health care system – BC Health Minister Josie Osborne said the changes were in the best interests of the public and health care professionals.

She says additional oversight and accountability would improve existing systems.

“I believe this new Act is a major change to the regulatory system. It is the first in 30 years,” she said.

“For people in BC, this means stronger protections, clearer processes and more confidence in the care they receive.”

As far as health care professionals are concerned, Osborne said the changes will mean clearer expectations and support.

Changes eliminate elected boards, crack down on discrimination

Under the changes starting April 1, the 15 professional colleges in BC will be reduced to six, and college board members will no longer be elected but appointed by the ministry.

Previously, a majority of board members were required to be licensed professionals in the fields being regulated. Now half of the board members will be licensed professionals, the rest will be members of the public.

A 2018 independent reviewWith the 2003 Ombudsman report, concerns were raised that elected board members may feel a responsibility to protect the interests of the colleges’ members rather than the public.

All disciplinary decisions and settlements involving health professionals will be publicly posted. They can no longer be appealed to the BC Supreme Court, and can only be challenged in internal reassessment or judicial review.

Other changes to the law include that discrimination will now be treated as professional misconduct, and all colleges must implement anti-discrimination measures.

Critics are concerned about the effects of changing rules

Kelowna-based psychologist Eric Kulker says the challenge of these professional groups no longer governing themselves is that disciplinary decisions can be made by people who have no expertise in the field.

“Not a single psychologist was placed on the board of governors of the new regulatory body,” he said.

BC Conservative health critic Anna Kindy is concerned about the potential for political interference by ending the practice of electing representatives to college boards.

“Every post, including superintendent and director of discipline, is appointed by the government,” he said.

“It’s basically government overreach.”

Alix Lavertu, executive director of the BC Chiropractic Association, said there is confusion among chiropractors about what is expected of them under the act, and there are no other changes.

“There are members and health providers in the province who have some concerns,” he said.

“I think the main reason is that they don’t have enough information available to them to fully understand the impacts of this act.”

For example, she says health care workers need to be proactive about being culturally sensitive and safe in their approach to patient care. However, Lavertu says there isn’t enough clarity yet from the province to ensure people are fully prepared and equipped to do so.

Osborne says Office of the Superintendent of Business Administration It will publish more information about the changes on its website by the end of the day on Tuesday, and encourage anyone interested to reach out to their colleges for clarity.