As Premier Horgan has announced, 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.

Thank you for your patience as we awaited further direction from the Provincial Heath Officer (PHO), Dr. Bonnie Henry. That direction has arrived, and we are pleased to share it with you here, together with specific guidance and protocols to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 when providing care.

COVID-19: Important Update from the Provincial Health Officer (May 15, 2020)

The PHO has issued an important update for regulated health professionals in BC, including registrants of the CCBC. This update, issued May 15, 2020, provides new guidance for health professionals regulated under the Health Professions Act when providing patient care in community settings under Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan.

Transitioning to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Response Plan
Starting May 19, registrants who are able to fully comply with the approved guidance from the PHO, WorkSafeBC, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the College of Chiropractors of BC (the ‘College’) may resume in-person services. The College’s temporary standards for in-person chiropractic care during the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect on May 19, 2020 and will instead be replaced by the following guidance document:

Providing in-person care during COVID-19: Guidance for registrants

This guidance has been developed collaboratively by BC Health Regulators with expertise and direction provided by the PHO, the BCCDC and WorkSafeBC. It is intended for all registrants in community practice. It is applicable for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As professionals, the College expects registrants to collaborate with colleagues in similar practices when making these decisions and to use professional judgement to determine what is in the patient’s interest. The BCCDC has developed interim guidance for registrants who work in outpatient and ambulatory care settings which has been approved by the PHO. The College expects registrants to read this guidance and follow the expectations for infection prevention and control as they resume work.

A Careful Restart
As health professionals prepare to resume in-person care, it is critical to remember that May 19 is the beginning of a transition. This is intended to be a careful restart in keeping with the requirements of our “new normal.” The College acknowledges and thanks all registrants for making practice accommodations to ensure patients receive safe and timely care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you again for your patience as we work to get you the information you need to protect your patients and communities. If you have any questions, please email registrar@chirobc.com.