Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor

B.C. launches campaign to promote health regulatory colleges

Mari-Len De   

News

Sept. 26, 2013 – British Columbia has embarked on an awareness campaign that aims to educate the public about the province’s health regulatory bodies.

The campaign dubbed, “Our purpose, your safety,” is spearheaded by
the B.C. Health Regulators, an alliance of more than 20 regulatory
colleges – including the College of Chiropractors of B.C. – governed by
the B.C. Health Professions Act.

"British Columbia's health
regulators protect patients by ensuring consistent standards for
regulated health professions – from nurses and physicians to
audiologists and dietitians," said Minister of Health Terry Lake. "This
awareness campaign will help ensure that the public is aware of the
important role B.C.'s health regulatory colleges play in patient safety
and our health care system."

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Colleges ensure their registered
professionals practise safely, ably and ethically. By setting and
enforcing standards of practice, colleges ensure that residents can
count on their health professional to deliver safe and acceptable care.

"Regulatory
colleges exist for the protection of the public," says Dr. Heidi
Oetter, Registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
BC. "We make sure that anyone who uses the designation of any of the
more than 20 regulated health professions is registered with their
respective college and meets all of the required standards."

The
conditions include graduation from a recognized school and successfully
completing a rigorous examination process before being granted the
privilege to practice. Health professionals must also complete criminal
record checks, provide proof of good character, renew their registration
each year and keep their skills and knowledge up to date. That is why
it is so important that British Columbians ensure their health
professional is registered and licensed.

"Health professionals
are dedicated to their patients' well-being," says Oetter. "But if there
is a concern, patients need to know they can come to us. All complaints
are investigated, and may lead to remedial or in some cases,
disciplinary action. This campaign is about letting the public know that
we're here for them."

The campaign launched Sept. 16 and
includes bus shelter and newspaper advertising, a website in nine
languages (www.bchealthregulators.ca ) and select television spots.


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