An Order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) was issued yesterday (on March 7, 2022) “to prevent or reduce the risk of the transmission of infection with SARS-CoV-2 by health professionals.”

The Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventive Measures Order is an information-sharing order, not a vaccine mandate. It requires all health regulatory colleges, including CMTBC, to record the COVID-19 vaccination status of all its registrants by March 31, 2022. If requested to do so by CMTBC, registrants must provide proof of vaccination or exemption. It 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.

CMTBC is studying the Order and is consulting with the PHO, Ministry of Health, and other BC health regulators. The College will communicate further with registrants as additional information about this order is received.

Until that time, we ask that you do not send CMTBC any inquiries related to the Order, or any documentation of your vaccination status. CMTBC will be issuing further communications in that regard as soon as we are ready to do so, and we appreciate your patience in the interim.

For now, we encourage all RMTs to read the Order via the Government of BC website. Please note that neither the PHO announcement made on February 9, 2022 nor the new Order alter or extend the scope of current orders requiring COVID-19 vaccination for health professionals who work in residential care, acute care, and community care settings.

FAQ

Does the Order require registrants to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

No. This Order requires CMTBC to record the COVID-19 vaccination status of all registrants, but it does not impose a COVID-19 vaccination requirement or broaden the requirements currently in place in public-sector health settings.

Which health professionals are covered by this Order?

The Order applies to all BC regulated health professionals.

As a registrant, will I need to take action to have my vaccination status recorded by the College?

Unless we contact you for further information, you will not need to provide any information to your college or the provincial government about your vaccination status. We will provide more details shortly.

What will the College accept as a valid exemption to vaccination?

A valid exemption must be one issued by the Office of the PHO.

Under what authority can the PHO issue public health orders?

The PHO has the legal authority to issue emergency preventive measures orders under the Public Health Act. Under the Act, all individuals and organizations are required to comply with the requirements set by the PHO.

Will there be any further orders on COVID-19 vaccination from the PHO?

CMTBC has not been provided with any information about additional orders. However, it is possible that the PHO may make subsequent orders regarding COVID-19 vaccination of health professionals.