Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has issued an important update for regulated health professionals in BC, including RMTs.

The update, issued March 23, 2020, provides expectations for health professionals regulated under the Health Professions Act when providing patient care in community settings.

The update does not apply to regulated health professionals when providing patient care in designated facilities or institutions regulated by the Hospital Act, the Health Authorities Act, the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the Mental Health Act, or other relevant Acts.

Read the update from Dr. Bonnie Henry (PDF).

The first expectation listed in the update reads as follows: “All non-essential and elective services involving direct physical contact with patients and clients should be reduced to minimal levels, subject to allowable exceptions, until further notice.”

This is consistent with guidance provided to RMTs by Dr. Henry and CMTBC. On March 21, 2020, Dr. Henry ordered that personal services businesses involving close physical contact must close effective immediately. After CMTBC confirmed with Dr. Henry that the order applies to RMTs working in the community, the College communicated to all BC RMTs that they must immediately cease practice.

Dr. Henry’s update outlines allowable exceptions and other expectations of regulated health professionals.

CMTBC is reviewing the update from Dr. Henry and will issue further communications to registrants providing more guidance and information. Check the College website daily for updates, as the situation with COVID-19 is fluid. CMTBC will provide registrants with the most relevant and factual information available.