New Disciplinary Orders: What Licensees Need to Know
The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), which came into force on April 1, 2026, introduced several changes to the College’s complaints and disciplinary processes. One of these changes is the introduction of disciplinary orders.
A disciplinary order is an order made to address a regulatory matter, complaint, or citation involving a licensee. The HPOA also introduces the concept of an administrative matter, which can include issues such as failing to comply with an undertaking, failing to meet certain duties to the College, or failing to comply with a disciplinary order.
Depending on the circumstances, a disciplinary order may result in a range of outcomes, including a reprimand, limits or conditions on practice, suspension or revocation of a licence, monetary penalties, or requirements for education, training, or competency assessment. In appropriate circumstances, an order may also require a licensee to undertake a restorative or other form of resolution that may be aligned with Indigenous practices.
Disciplinary orders may be made by the Registrar, the Investigation Committee, or the Director of Discipline. The Director of Discipline, an employee of the Health Professions and Occupations Regulatory Oversight Office (HPOROO), leads an independent tribunal that oversees the discipline process for regulated health professions in BC.
Some disciplinary orders will also be published on the College’s website in the interest of public safety and transparency along with the reasons of the order. These include:
- citations from the Director of Discipline listing charges made against a regulated health professional and communicate the intent to proceed with a disciplinary hearing
- summary protection orders suspending or imposing limits and conditions on a licence
- orders for monetary penalties
A licensee’s consent is generally required for a disciplinary order, subject to certain exceptions. Once consent is provided, CCHPBC publishes the order. Matters resolved through a registrar review or by the Investigation Committee with a warning or advice are generally not published.
These changes are an important part of the HPOA’s strengthened regulatory framework. They provide the College with additional tools to address concerns about professional conduct and practice while supporting fair, proportionate, and transparent regulation.
