Over the Summer, we worked closely with the 10 other amalgamating colleges, the Ministry of Health and consultants in planning efforts for amalgamation by the end of June 2024. Whilst we’ve been busy, we are committed to sharing information as it becomes available and wanted to share the following key updates:

Amalgamation Background

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that amalgamations of the following existing colleges will happen by June 28, 2024:

The creation of a new college through the amalgamation of:

• College of Chiropractors of BC
• College of Massage Therapists of BC
• College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC
• College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC

The creation of a new college through the amalgamation of:

• College of Dietitians of BC
• College of Occupational Therapists of BC
• College of Optometrists of BC
• College of Opticians of BC
• College of Physical Therapists of BC
• College of Psychologists of BC
• College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC

Amalgamation Updates

• We have a plan in place to identify, decide and deliver on critical priorities for our new multi-professional regulatory college. In the interim, we are committed to ‘business as usual’ service delivery throughout this amalgamation process and beyond.

• In July, the Ministry of Health officially appointed Allan Seckel K.C., pursuant to S.25.05(04) of the Health Professions Act (HPA), to lead the upcoming regulatory college amalgamation. Allan has a diverse background spanning public service, private legal practice and work in the not-for-profit sector in B.C. and brings expertise and guidance to amalgamation efforts.

   

  With his appointment, Allan assumes the powers of the college boards for matters directly relating to the amalgamation. His appointment allows us the benefit of a clear decision-maker with respect to amalgamation-related decisions, and he is working closely with current college boards to make these decisions with alignment and in a timely manner.

• The important services for registration, renewals, complaints, discipline, and quality assurance set out by the HPA remain our current college responsibility. The amalgamation appointment does not have any impact on the processes you rely on today. If there are changes, we will be swift to communicate them to you.

   

• In August, we undertook a recommendation process to propose names for the two new multi-profession regulators to the Ministry of Health. Using this input, we look forward to the Ministry of Health’s final decision for our new college names.

The progress made so far has defined the amalgamation plan inclusive of specific activities we will complete to prepare for amalgamation. Allan’s appointment is an important step in moving this process forward, providing a single escalation point to guide decisions.

Next Steps

From September 2023, we will continue with our amalgamation activities as planned. Amalgamation-specific updates were provided to the Board earlier this month. The College will continue to provide timely information and relevant updates on topics as details become available. 

Updates about amalgamation will be posted on this News page and  the “Modernizing Health Profession Regulation”
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