The College of Chiropractors of BC (the College) serves to protect the public interest by setting standards for the practice of chiropractic. Patients of all races, nationalities or ethnic origins, colour, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, disability, age, religion, or political belief have the right to expect ethical care from registrants.
In light of recent incidents of race-based violence and discrimination, the College has taken measures to ensure that this message is clear to registrants and patients in contributing to a safe healthcare community. Together with the Colleges of the BC Heath Regulators, we support the global movement to end racism and discrimination.
What ongoing actions has the College taken to support diversity and inclusion?
In support of the need for culturally appropriate healthcare services, the College has adopted a culturally safe and sensitive practice policy. This policy recognizes that good practice involves genuine efforts to understand the cultural needs and contexts of different patients to obtain good health outcomes, including having knowledge of, respect for and sensitivity towards the cultural needs of the community chiropractors serve to adapting practices to improve engagement with patients and their health care outcomes.
To better help patients understand their rights, the CCBC has established “Patient’s charter of rights” whereby the first two rights cited are for chiropractic patients to have the right to:
- be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect
- receive chiropractic care without discrimination and based solely on their health condition
What evolving actions will the College take to support diversity and inclusion in the future?
Together with BC Health Regulators, the College acknowledges that more work can be done and that we can strive to do better. This means being open to new ideas and opportunities to develop initiatives that support the goals of inclusivity and diversity. We are committed to continued collaboration towards the ongoing development of initiatives that help achieve these important goals.
Other ways to be involved in supporting cultural safety and to take a stand against racism is to participate in stakeholder surveys and public consultations. The College is here to protect patients, if you have been subject to racism or discrimination as a chiropractic patient, please contact the College.
As British Columbians, another way we can also show our support of diversity and inclusion and anti-racism is through the BC Lieutenant Governor’s #DifferentTogether pledge.