This section is devoted to providing updates about the HPOA Project that is currently underway. The HPOA Project is working to deliver key resources to supporting consistency across regulatory colleges in ensuring they will be in compliance with the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) when it comes into force (date to be determined by Ministry of Health).
The HPOA Project has several key deliverables:
- Developing model bylaws
- Integrating the new governance requirements
- Establishing a common process for the development of standards, and developing common standards/templates where possible and appropriate
- Developing complainant support programs
- Aligning the principles that underpin quality assurance programs
- Agreeing on standardized approaches to:
- process applications for registration and licensure
- process complaints
- process permits.
Of particular importance are specific new expectations for colleges around public orientation, Indigenous-specific anti-racism and anti-discrimination measures. These core concepts are being embedded in all project work and deliverables.
To support the six regulatory health colleges with the significant work needed to prepare for, and align with, the HPOA, the Ministry of Health has provided BCHR with $4.5 million to fund the HPOA Project.
News & Updates
- New health profession legislation comes into force on April 1, 2026 July 16, 2025 The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the Health Professions Act (HPA) will be repealed on April 1, 2026 and replaced by the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). This date is confirmed by Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) regulations that were approved on July 16, 2025. In addition, on… Read more
- REVISED: BCHR issues request for proposals (RFP) for support services for regulatory colleges June 3, 2025 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. Read more
- BCHR issues request for information (RFI) for counselling support services to support the HPOA Project February 26, 2025 In 2022, the BC government introduced and passed new legislation: The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). The provision for support programs 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… Read more
- BCHR issues request for proposals (RFP) for legal counsel services to support HPOA Project February 4, 2025 In 2022, the B.C. government introduced and passed new legislation: the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). This new legislation will come into force in 2025, and includes provisions that directly address anti-discrimination requirements, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous-specific anti-racism in health regulation and services. In particular, it specifically… Read more
- BC Ministry of Health appoints Director of Discipline August 7, 2024 The Government of BC has announced that Benson Cowan has been appointed Director of Discipline within the new Office of the Superintendent of the Health Professions and Occupations Oversight. Read more
Consultation and engagement
We recognize that the work the HPOA Project is undertaking will impact many groups and individuals in BC as it will inform how regulatory health colleges will continue to regulate health professionals to protect the public. As such, the project is actively engaging partners in the creation, validation and communication of the project deliverables that impact them.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this project, please contact the HPOA Project team directly by emailing: HPOAProject@bchealthregulators.ca