This week the Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer announced their plans to protect communities during the upcoming respiratory illness season which include the wearing of medical masks by all health care workers, volunteers, contractors, and visitors in patient areas of health-care facilities starting October 3, 2023.  The College of Chiropractors of BC understands that private health care clinics, such as those commonly used by chiropractors, are not included in this directive, and are not required by the province to adopt medical masking procedures at this time.  Despite this fact, the College encourages registrants to consider the risks to their own patient populations, staff and themselves as well as to review current information from the Centre for Disease Control to determine the most appropriate measures for infection prevention and control in their own practices.  Registrants are also reminded to review Part 3.2 and Appendix Q – Infection Control of the Professional Conduct Handbook to support their decision making.

The Minister of Health and the Provincial Health Officer can issue directives and orders to address public safety concerns at any time, including but not limited to a directive in the future to include mandatory medical masking in private practice environments.  The College will provide registrants with information as it is confirmed and urges registrants to consult government sources for more details.

Visit the Ministry of Health’s respiratory illness page for more information.

Visit HealthLink BC and see their respiratory illness page.