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Ivermectin is an anthelmintic approved in Canada for veterinary and human use. In humans, ivermectin is only approved for treatment of parasitic infections (oral) and rosacea (topical). The most effective strategy for preventing COVID-19 continues to be immunization and all Health Canada approved vaccines provide a high level of protection.

The Leaving Practice practice standard has been revised to clarify that registrants must ensure that a contingency plan is in place in the event of sudden death or other circumstances where the registrant is abruptly unavailable.

The ºÚÁÏÉç would like to humbly acknowledge and reflect on Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which commemorates the history and ongoing trauma of Canada’s colonial past and residential school system. The ºÚÁÏÉç is also commemorating Orange Shirt Day, which honours the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools.

At its meeting last week, the ºÚÁÏÉç Board expressed great concern and compassion for the challenges facing all of you as the pandemic continues in this fourth wave. On behalf of the Board, we offer you our deep gratitude and admiration for the unwavering commitment you have made to care for BC patients. 

The ºÚÁÏÉç has published a revised version of the Laser Safety practice standard. Key edits include a title change, clarification on the definition of a medical laser and the inclusion of clear practice principles to communicate registrant expectations, including the responsibilities of the medical director.

The Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC) has released a statement on Indigenous-specific racism in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. As a member of FMRAC, the ºÚÁÏÉç fully endorses the statement and its commitment. 

Registrants may be getting requests from patients for medical notes to be exempted from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Guidance is available to assist registrants with determining the validity of such requests.

Given broad vaccination coverage, COVID-19 should no longer pose a barrier to in-person practice. It is the joint position of the Provincial Health Officer, Ministry of Health, and the ºÚÁÏÉç that health care that includes in-person assessments and preventative

The ºÚÁÏÉç is sharing with registrants on behalf of WorkSafeBC regarding the acceptance of digital signatures from injured workers to authorize the release of relevant medical records.

The ºÚÁÏÉç is seeking the public's feedback on its expectations of physicians and surgeons in the few circumstances when they are able to provide medical treatment to themselves, family members and others they have a close relationship with.

Dr. Jacques West has been transferred to the Conditional – Disciplined class of registration.

The full notification is available here.

The ºÚÁÏÉç is sharing this message with registrants on behalf of the BC Coroners Service regarding heat-related deaths.