On March 7, 2022, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) issued an Order that requires all health regulatory colleges, including CMTBC, to record the COVID-19 vaccination status of all its registrants by March 31, 2022. According to the Order, if requested to do so by CMTBC, registrants must provide proof of vaccination or exemption. The Order also requires the College to disclose to the PHO or medical health officer, on request, registrant information regarding vaccination status and place of work, either in aggregate or by individual.

To address questions about the purpose and scope of the PHO’s Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventive Measures Order, please note the following key points:

• The March 7 PHO order is not a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. As of today, there is no vaccine mandate for the vast majority of RMTs in British Columbia (a small number of RMTs may be affected by the existing vaccination orders that apply in residential care, acute care, and community care settings). If you are an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Practising registrant, you may continue practising unless a further order mandating COVID-19 vaccination is made by the PHO. CMTBC will communicate any relevant information to RMTs.
• RMTs should not contact CMTBC regarding the March 7 PHO Order. CMTBC is required by the Order to verify the COVID-19 vaccination status of all RMTs. However, most verifications will be done using data provided to CMTBC by the provincial government. CMTBC will be contacting only those RMTs whose vaccination status remains unverified. Unless you are contacted by CMTBC, no further action is required. If you are contacted by CMTBC, the March 7 PHO order requires you to respond and to provide the requested information.
• Please do not send your proof of vaccination via email. If you are required to do so, instructions will be provided in the near future for the safe and secure delivery of your information.
•  The March 7 PHO order is legally binding on all health regulatory colleges and registrants. In particular, the data- and information-sharing required by the Order does not require individual consent. Requirements imposed by law are effective whether or not consent is provided.  

CMTBC will continue to share further information with RMTs as it becomes available.