Criminal Record Checks (CRC): What CCHPBC Licensees Need to Know
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) is committed to protecting the public and ensuring that licensees meet the requirements for licensure. One important requirement is maintaining a valid Criminal Record Check (CRC) clearance through British Columbia’s Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP).
This article explains who needs a CRC, when it is required, how the process works, and answers common questions.
Who Needs to Complete a Criminal Record Check?
All applicants and licensees of CCHPBC must maintain a valid Criminal Record Check (CRC) through British Columbia’s Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP).
A CRC is required:
- When applying for licensure;
- Every five years thereafter, before the current CRC clearance expires; and
- When applying for reinstatement following licence cancellation.
A Criminal Record Check is not required at every annual licence renewal.
Do I Need to Submit a New Criminal Record Check Consent Form?
Whether you need to submit a new CRC Consent Form depends on your profession.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, Acupuncturists, and Naturopathic Doctors
Under the new Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), the College will now submit Criminal Record Check requests directly to the CRRP on behalf of licensees.
Because this is a new process, current Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, Acupuncturists, and Naturopathic Doctors must submit a new Criminal Record Check consent form so that the College has authorization to act on their behalf.
If you are required to submit a new consent form, you will see a message indicating this when updating your profile in the Licensee Portal. The CRC Consent Form must then be uploaded to your profile.
Chiropractors and Massage Therapists
Current Chiropractors and Massage Therapists have already provided the necessary consent to the College. No further action is required unless your consent has been revoked.
How Criminal Record Check Renewals Work
Once the College has a valid consent form on file, it will submit future Criminal Record Check requests to the CRRP on your behalf before your CRC expires.
In most cases, no action is required from licensees.
However, a new consent form is required if:
- you revoke your consent; or
- your licence is cancelled, as licence cancellation automatically revokes your consent.
If you later apply for reinstatement or otherwise require a new consent, the College will contact you.
Completing a Criminal Record Check Consent Form
When a new consent form is required, applicants or licensees must:
- Complete the Criminal Record Check consent form provided by the College.
- Sign the form by hand using a pen (digital or electronic signatures cannot be accepted).
- Submit the completed form according to the instructions provided by the College.
- Respond promptly to any requests from the CRRP for fingerprinting or additional documentation, if applicable.
Your application review and approval are not contingent on receiving CRC clearance. However, applicants and licensees are expected to cooperate fully with the CRRP process and complete all required steps.
What Happens if My Criminal Record Check Expires or I Do Not Provide Authorization?
Under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), licensees must maintain a valid Criminal Record Check authorization.
If a required consent form is not provided, the College is required to investigate and take appropriate action under the Act.
How Long Does a Criminal Record Check Take?
Processing times vary depending on the circumstances of each application.
A Criminal Record Check may take between four and twelve weeks to complete, particularly if additional steps such as fingerprinting or further review are required.
Licensees should respond promptly to any requests from the College or the CRRP to avoid delays.
