BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced at a press conference today (February 9, 2022) that she will issue a public health order next week requiring all regulated health professionals in BC, including RMTs, to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The new order will broaden a previous PHO order that was originally dated October 14, 2021 and subsequently updated. That order imposed a vaccination mandate on health care providers practicing in the public system. See the CMTBC news story dated October 15, 2021.

According to a BC Government news release, under the upcoming order, regulated health professionals who are vaccinated with one dose before March 24, 2022 may continue to work as long as they receive a second dose 28-35 days after their first dose.

CMTBC has not yet received a copy of the proposed order and therefore does not have any additional information at this time about the role to be played by CMTBC and other health regulatory colleges. After the order is released, CMTBC will study it, consult with the Ministry of Health and other BC health regulators, and provide registrants with additional information.