Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has issued an important update for regulated health professionals in BC, including the College of Chiropractors of BC (CCBC).
The update, issued March 23, 2020, provides expectations for health professionals regulated under the Health Professions Act when providing patient and client care in community settings.
The update does not apply to regulated health professionals when providing patient and client care in designated facilities or institutions regulated by the Hospital Act, the Health Authorities Act, the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the Mental Health Act, or other relevant Acts.
Read the update from Dr. Bonnie Henry (PDF).
The Public Health Officer states, and the CCBC agrees:
Expectations of regulated health professionals:
1. All non-essential and elective services involving direct physical contact with patients and clients should be reduced to minimal levels, subject to allowable exceptions, until further notice.
2. Allowable exceptions can be made for time-sensitive circumstances, and emergent, urgent, and/or essential care to avert or avoid negative patient or client outcomes, or to avert or avoid a situation that would have a direct impact on the safety of a patient or client.
Further to Dr. Henry’s letter, the CCBC directs that a chiropractor should only be providing in-person “emergent, urgent and/or essential care” in circumstances where:
1. The patient has an acute condition that requires immediate attention to relieve pain or because his or her daily activities are severely limited, and
2. The chiropractor can ensure that care will be provided in a manner that provides adequate protection against the risks of COVID-19 infection.
Dr. Henry’s update outlines allowable exceptions, it notes that – where possible and appropriate – health professionals are encouraged to provide care by telephone and video, and details other expectations of regulated health professionals. As such, registrants are encouraged to to provide remote telehealth services in a safe and effective manner to the benefit of, and in the best interests of, their patients where applicable.
The CCBC will issue further communications to registrants providing more guidance and information as it becomes available. Check the College website daily for updates, as the situation with COVID-19 is fluid. The CCBC will provide registrants with the most relevant and factual information available.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent and important matter. If you have any questions, please email registrar@chirobc.com.
Michelle Da Roza
Registrar