OVERVIEW: BCHR is seeking a qualified firm or consultant to develop an evaluation framework for three support programs required under the incoming HPOA. The framework will assess the effectiveness, impact, and efficiency of the programs, and will inform future improvements.  LINK TO RFP ON BC BIDS: https://bcbid.gov.bc.ca/page.aspx/en/bpm/process_manage_extranet/224256  

DETAILS: In 2022, the BC government introduced and passed new legislation, the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), which will come into force on April 1, 2026. The HPOA will replace the existing Health Professions Act (HPA), bringing substantial changes to how health professionals are regulated and governed in B.C.

One of the key changes is the introduction of mandatory support programs for complainants, intended to create a safer and more transparent complaints process and to strengthen public protection. These support programs apply only to complaints involving alleged sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, or discrimination by regulated health practitioners.

Under HPOA, all colleges are required to establish and administer three types of support programs, which will begin operating on April 1, 2026:

• Information Services Program: Provides complainants with information about the complaints and discipline process.
• Support Services Program: Facilitates and funds counselling services for individuals who have been harmed by a licensee (health professional).
• Support Worker Program: Provides qualified individuals to support complainants through the investigation and hearing processes.

Over the past year, member colleges of BC Health Regulators (BCHR) have been working collaboratively to develop these support programs in accordance with HPOA requirements. To support implementation, BCHR is seeking a qualified firm or consultant to develop an evaluation framework for the three support programs. The framework will assess the effectiveness, impact, and efficiency of the programs, and will inform future improvements.

Note: The deliverable of this project is the development of an evaluation framework only; implementation of the framework and ongoing monitoring of the support programs will be the responsibility of each individual college.

TIMELINES:

Learn more about regulatory modernization in BC.