Designation assessments are a tool used to provide evidence-based recommendations to the Minister of Health on whether regulation of a type of health practitioner is in the public interest and appropriate under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). In B.C., there are currently 25 designated health professions overseen by health professional regulatory colleges under the HPOA. Currently, there are no designated health occupations.
The Health Professions and Occupations Regulatory Oversight Office (the Oversight Office) is responsible for conducting designation assessments. These assessments involve reviewing risk of harm to the public, and whether it is in the public interest to regulate.
When a new health profession or occupation becomes designated, they become regulated and overseen by a health professional regulatory college or a health occupation director. The college or director governs, within their role, in the public interest.
Policies for designation assessments
The Oversight Office follows specific processes and policies for conducting designation assessments.
Read the designation assessment policies (coming soon)
How to participate in a designation assessment
The Oversight Office consults with partners, interested parties and the public when starting a designation assessment. Currently, there are no designation assessments open for engagement opportunity.