College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC)
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) is the regulatory body for physicians and surgeons in BC. It serves and protects the public by licensing physicians and ensuring they meet established standards of practice and conduct.
Doctors of BC and CPSBC each have a distinct purpose and play different roles in the professional lives of physicians.
| Area | Doctors of BC | CPSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Working together, we support BC’s doctors to be leaders in delivering and improving patient care. Doctors of BC acts as the official representative of BC’s medical profession. We also advocate and negotiate for doctors to achieve professional satisfaction, fair economic reward, and a stronger health care system. | We serve the public by regulating physicians and surgeons. CPSBC regulates the practice of medicine for the protection and safety of patients. |
| Yearly fees or dues | Optional Payment of annual membership dues is optional. Those who pay dues are members. | Mandatory All practising physicians and surgeons must pay annual licence renewal fees to obtain a licence to practise medicine. They are licensees. |
| Governance | Board and Representative Assembly Represents the interests of the profession and is accountable to members. | Board Acts solely in the public interest at all times and is accountable to the BC Ministry of Health. |
| Physician advocacy | Advocates for physicians Doctors of BC advocates for and represents physicians at many levels to advance the interests of physicians in accordance with its strategic plan, objectives, and purpose. | No advocacy work CPSBC does not advocate for the profession. |
| Negotiations | Negotiates for physicians Negotiates with the provincial government on the Physician Main Agreement (PMA), which determines compensation and benefits for BC physicians. We also support individual and groups of physicians with contracts. | CPSBC is not involved in negotiations. |
| Patient complaints | No role in complaints Doctors of BC does not have a formal role in representing physicians under investigation by the College. Physicians can seek legal support from the CMPA or their own lawyer. We do support physicians with complaints involving other organizations, such as health authorities. | Investigates complaints CPSBC investigates all complaints about physicians and surgeons in a fair and transparent manner and takes appropriate action to ensure that patient safety is not being compromised. |
| Quality of care | Quality improvement Doctors of BC supports quality improvement through programs developed and administered with government, including the Practice Support Program (FPSC), Quality Improvement (SSC), and the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues. | Quality assurance CPSBC administers quality assurance programs to ensure physicians remain competent throughout their careers. These include the Practice Enhancement Program and Prescription Review Program. |
| Accreditation | Provides input Doctors of BC is one of several health care organizations that provide input into some accreditation criteria, advocating for fairness. | Administers programs CPSBC administers two accreditation programs: Diagnostic Accreditation Program and Non-Hospital Medical and Surgical Facilities Accreditation Program. |
| Standards and guidelines | Provides input Doctors of BC provides input into the College’s development of standards and guidelines as part of the College consultation outreach. This collective member input is part of its role in advocating for physicians. The Guidelines and Protocol Advisory Committee (GPAC), a partnership of Doctors of BC and the BC government, develops “Made in BC” clinical practice guidelines and protocols. | Develops standards CPSBC develops practice standards that address key areas of practice and respond to existing or emerging issues and topics. Practice standards are mandatory. They reflect the minimum standard of professional behaviour and ethical conduct expected of physicians and surgeons. |
When to contact Doctors of BC
- For help or advice on an issue or concern related to your practice, compensation or fees, health authorities, or government, or if you want to participate in physician advocacy on an issue that is important to you.
- When you have questions or need support with local contracts with health authorities.
- For information or questions about Doctors of BC administered PMA benefits, such as CMPA rebates, CME/REAP, as well as the fee guide, PSP training, and collaborative and leadership programs.
- For information about benefits such as insurance, Telus, or ClubMD.
When to contact CPSBC
- For information on matters related to registration and licensure—cancelling, renewing, taking a leave of absence, and criminal record checks.
- When you have questions or want more information about complying with CPSBC’s practice standards.
- When you have questions about one of CPSBC’s quality assurance or accreditation programs.
- When you are supervising an international medical graduate and have questions or would like more information.
ICBC Liaison Working Group
The ICBC Liaison Working Group is a joint committee of Doctors of BC and ICBC. Its purpose is to engage and consult on ICBC initiatives and processes related to patients injured in motor vehicle accidents.
The objectives of the Working Group include:
- Serving as the primary means of communication and collaboration between Doctors of BC and ICBC;
- Identifying and addressing issues raised by physicians regarding ICBC processes, payment, forms, and workflow; and
- Collaborating on a long-term strategy to improve the management of patients injured from motor vehicle accidents
ICBC: Information for doctors
- ICBC Enhanced Care Coverage – Five things doctors need to know
- ICBC announces new Enhanced Care coverage regulations
- Fee Guide: Physicians can search for relevant ICBC fees using the Doctors of BC Fee Guide (login required)
For general claim queries contact the Health Care Inquiry unit on 604 587-7150 (Lower Mainland), +1 888 717-7150 (Toll-free) or email: HealthCareInquiry@icbc.com
Medical Services Commission
Collaborating on MSP administration
The Medical Services Commission is a statutory body made up of representatives from Doctors of BC, the BC government, and the public that manages the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in accordance with the Medicare Protection Act and Regulations. This unique partnership ensures doctors, government, and BC residents all have a voice in the administration of MSP.
The Medical Services Commission manages the provision and payment of medical services in an effective and cost-efficient manner and ensures that all BC residents have reasonable access to medical care.
Medical Staff Associations
Medical Staff Associations (MSAs) are made up of facility-based physicians who engage with health authorities so that together they can address health care system challenges and support quality patient care
Seventy-five MSAs around the province are now funded by Doctors of BC and the BC government through the Facility Engagement Initiative, a program of the Specialist Services Committee.
WorkSafeBC Liaison Committee
The WorkSafeBC Liaison Committee is a joint committee of Doctors of BC and WorkSafe BC.
Member representatives work collaboratively on areas of mutual interest and/or concern. Specific objectives include:
- Responsibility for the administration and oversight of the implementation of the 2022-2025 Physician and Surgeons’ WorkSafeBC Services Agreement
- Physician education (e.g., WorkSafeBC billings, policies, and programs);
- Physician input on WorkSafeBC policies relevant to clinical practice, including forms development and reporting requirements; and
- Managing dispute resolution procedures pertaining to practice or billing processes.