Our regulatory role
To be an effective, impartial, and transparent regulator, it is important that CHCPBC not overstep its regulatory duties as prescribed by the HPOA. Some services that CHCPBC does not provide may be offered by professional associations.
| Regulator (e.g., CHCPBC) | Professional association (see full list) |
|---|---|
| Licensure with CHCPBC is mandatory to practise in the nine health professions regulated by the College. | Membership is optional. |
| “Licensee” refers to those licensed and regulated by CHCPBC. | “Member” refers to those who the association acts to support. |
| CHCPBC is accountable to the BC Government (through the Ministry of Health) and the general public. | Professional associations are accountable to their members. |
| CHCPBC is neutral and impartial, acting in the public interest. | Professional associations advocate for their profession(s) and act in the interest of their members. |
Functions of a regulator
- As mandated by the HPOA and regulations, setting and enforcing:
- Entry-to-practice requirements
- Bylaws
- Ethics and Practice Standards
- Requirements for quality practice (Professional & Quality Practice Program)
- Investigating complaints about CHCPBC licensees, investigating complaints about unauthorized practice and exclusive title violations, deciding on outcomes, and requesting citations to be issued by the Health Professions Discipline Tribunal
- Regulating the issuance and renewal of health profession corporation permits for optometrists and physical therapists
Functions of an association
- Advocating for issues that impact the professions
- Advocating for practitioners to engage in policy development
- Providing education and professional development opportunities
- Providing networking opportunities
| Profession | Provincial association | National association |
|---|---|---|
| Audiology | Speech and Hearing BC | Canadian Academy of Audiology |
| Dietetics | Dietitians of Canada | |
| Hearing instrument dispensing | Hearing Instrument Practitioners Society of British Columbia | International Hearing Society: Canada |
| Occupational therapy | Occupational Therapy BC | Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists |
| Opticianry | Opticians Association of Canada: BC Chapter | Opticians Association of Canada |
| Optometry | BC Doctors of Optometry | Canadian Association of Optometrists |
| Physical therapy | Physiotherapy Association of BC | Canadian Physiotherapy Association |
| Psychology | BC Psychological Association | Canadian Psychological Association |
| School psychology | BC Association of School Psychologists | National Association of School Psychologists |
| Speech-language pathology | Speech and Hearing BC | Speech-Language & Audiology Canada |