Health Policy News

A bill now before the legislature would give the provincial cabinet the power to spell out specific sites for detention such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Health Minister Josie Osborne said the ongoing toxic drug crisis has led to a ‘small but growing number of people who are living with overlapping mental-health and substance-use challenges, as well as brain injuries from repeated overdoes.’

The Opposition B.C. Conservatives say the proposal by caucus chair Jody Toor is the first private member’s bill to pass second reading with unanimous support in a recorded vote in 43 years.

Since launching the pilot in select pharmacies in 2023, the program has handled about 27,000 appointments, with 100% of surveyed patients saying they’d recommend it to family and friends.

The province is working the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC on a direct process to enable U.S.-trained doctors to become fully licensed in B.C. without the need for further assessment, examination or training.

Two LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are seeking a court injunction that would suspend the law while the court decides its constitutionality.

Dr. Ghassen Soufi on the Quebec government’s plan to force medical students and residents to practice within the Quebec public system after the end of their studies.

The guidelines update how PMPRB staff would flag and review drugs with prices deemed ‘too high.’