Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA): Big Changes for Physio Regulation
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What is the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA)
The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) will replace the current Health Professions Act (HPA) in British Columbia.
It has already received Royal Assent and will officially come into force on April 1, 2026.
Alongside the new act, regulations, bylaws, and scope of practice statements are being updated and aligned to meet the new standards.
Key Changes under Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA)
These changes will affect all regulated health professions, including physiotherapy.
| Area | What’s New / Different |
|---|---|
| Governance & Oversight | A new oversight office, the Health Professions and Occupations Regulatory Oversight Office (HPOROO), will monitor regulatory colleges and ensure accountability. |
| Discipline Process | Disciplinary hearings will be managed independently by a Director of Discipline and independent tribunals, separate from colleges. |
| Transparency & Public Registry | All disciplinary actions and summary protection orders will be included on public registries after hearings. |
| Scope & Titles, Restricted Activities | Clearer rules on scopes of practice, reserved titles, restricted activities, and conditions/limits on practice. |
| Duties of Licensees | New codified duties for professionals: ethical practice, cooperation, fitness to practise, giving notice, and more. |
| Anti-Discrimination / Cultural Safety | Stronger requirements for cultural safety and humility, addressing systemic and Indigenous-specific racism. |
| Board / College Governance | College boards will shift to fully appointed members based on merit and competency, ending elections. |
| Amalgamation of Colleges | Ongoing reduction and amalgamation of regulatory colleges to improve efficiency and consistency. |
What it Means for Physiotherapists in BC
Scope & Titles
Physiotherapists’ scope of practice will continue but may be expressed differently with clearer restricted activity statements and conditions.
Renewals & Bylaw Changes
Renewal cycles and registration requirements are being standardized, and physical therapy renewal dates are being realigned.
Discipline and Complaints
Complaints will move through independent tribunals, with outcomes made public — increasing transparency and accountability.
Governance Impacts
Regulatory board members for physiotherapy will be appointed on merit rather than elected, reducing direct practitioner influence.
Cultural Safety & Anti-Discrimination
Physiotherapists will be required to adopt inclusive practices, act with cultural humility, and avoid discriminatory conduct.
Public Registry and Trust
Disciplinary outcomes will be published in detail, which could impact professional reputation and increase public trust.
Potential Challenges & Considerations
Transition work to align bylaws, regulations, and training before 2026.
Additional compliance costs for both colleges and physiotherapists.
Need for clarity around restricted activities and conditions of practice.
Managing public perception as registries and published disciplinary actions become more detailed.
The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) brings major updates to physiotherapy regulation in BC, and Divine Care Physio is already committed to these high standards. By focusing on transparency, cultural safety, and patient-centered care, the clinic continues to set an example for physiotherapy in Langley. The clinic’s focus on ethical care, clear communication, and evidence-based treatment ensures patients continue to receive support that aligns with evolving regulatory standards, while fostering confidence that their health is being managed with the highest level of professionalism.
References
- College of Health and Care Professionals of BC – New Health Profession Legislation Comes into Force on April 1, 2026
- BC Health Regulators – New Health Profession Legislation
- BC Health Regulators – Regulatory Modernization Overview
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC – Update: Health Professions and Occupations Act and Professional Regulations
