As of today, April 1, 2026, the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) is in effect, replacing the current Health Professions Act and introducing significant changes to the regulation of health professions, including physicians. Here is a high-level recap of the changes and what you need to do. 

What this means for physicians 

There are some key changes that physicians should be aware of, including:

  • Board appointments: Board members of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (and all other health Colleges) will now be appointed by the Ministry of Health following a recommendation from the Superintendent of the Health Professions and Occupations Regulatory Oversight Office (HPOROO). 
  • New discipline process: While complaints and investigation processes will remain with the College, a new Health Professions Discipline Tribunal (HPDT) will oversee the discipline process for all regulated health professions. The HPDT will review serious cases referred by the College, support consent resolutions when appropriate, and determine disciplinary action, among other responsibilities.
  • Expanded professional responsibilities: Physicians have a legal obligation to report discrimination, including Indigenous-specific racism, and to follow cultural safety requirements. 
  • Terminology: Regulated health professionals, including physicians, are now called "licensees" instead of "registrants."

What physicians need to do

Under the College’s new bylaws, your licence will now expire on May 1 if it isn’t renewed by April 30 (previously, it was suspended on April 1 and did not expire until the following January). Physicians are also encouraged to review the College’s summary of significant bylaw changes under the HPOA.

Ongoing advocacy and support

We will monitor the impacts of the HPOA and invite you to share your feedback as the legislation is implemented through our Have Your Say member engagement platform.

We will also continue to advocate, share updates, and provide resources to support members as they navigate the new processes and transition to the updated legislative framework. More information and resources are available on our dedicated HPOA webpage.