BCHR issues request for proposals (RFP) for support services for regulatory colleges
In 2022, the BC government introduced and passed new legislation: The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). The provision for support programs, including information services, support services, and support workers for complainants, is new under the HPOA. While some sections of the HPOA are in force to allow for the creation of the Office of the Superintendent of Health Profession and Occupation Oversight, the sections in HPOA related to support programs are not yet in force.
BCHR has established a project (the HPOA Project) to support a consistent transition from current legislation to the new HPOA for all colleges.
One of the new features of the HPOA is an expectation that regulatory colleges offer support services to individuals who experience discrimination, sexual misconduct or sexual abuse by a regulated health professional.
In support of this, BCHR has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to support the implementation of the support services program by regulatory colleges. Support services will provide complainants with access to counselling or other services that will support them during the complaint process, including (if applicable) any resulting hearing process.
The RFP can be viewed on BC Bid: https://bcbid.gov.bc.ca/page.aspx/en/bpm/process_manage_extranet/215334
The deadline for proposals is July 4, 2025, at 5 pm (PST).