Statement from the Registrar of the College of Chiropractors of BC
regarding Vaccination and Immunization

The College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC, the College) wishes to address recent concerns in the media regarding a small number of registered practitioners who have been providing counsel or promoting that they provide counsel in the area of vaccination, in contravention of College policy and bylaws.

While the College recognizes that immunization is well established and widely mandated for protection from infectious disease, the recommendation and/or provision of vaccination, or counsel against immunization or vaccination, is outside the scope of chiropractic practice.

CCBC’s policy on Vaccination and Immunization is clearly stated in the Professional Conduct Handbook. As primary care practitioners, chiropractors must not promote or provide counsel to patients in relation to immunization and vaccination issues, but are instead required to direct such patients to their medical doctor or local public health officials. Such is the case when any condition presented or treatment required is not within their scope of practice.

As a direct result of these concerns the College:

• has accepted a letter of resignation from the Board vice-chair, Dr. Avtar Jassal, who had previously stepped down from the Inquiry Committee and who will be held to the same level of compliance as are all registrants under the Health Professions Act; and
• is seeking an independent investigator to be tasked with pursuing this matter further.

It is important to note that the vast majority of chiropractors practicing in BC comply with the policies and bylaws established by the College. CCBC is committed to enforcing compliance with the Vaccination and Immunization policy—and with all CCBC policies and bylaws—and follows up on complaints and information received from patients, the public and registrants: as it has been, and is currently doing in this matter.

The priority of the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia is the health and safety of the public. British Columbians can feel confident that when they go to a regulated chiropractor in BC, they will receive safe, quality care that is within the scope of practice of BC Chiropractors.

Any patient or member of the public with concerns regarding the care or conduct of a chiropractor in BC should contact the College. Information on how to contact the College can be found at: www.chirobc.com

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For further information contact:

Frances Picherack, ICD.D.
Registrar and CEO
registrar@chirobc.com