Physician Assistants Are One Step Closer To Joining B.C.’S Health-Care Workforce

Physicians and patients may soon have another resource in health care as consultation begins on bylaw changes to enable physician assistants to work in emergency departments in British Columbia.

“The Ministry of Health has been working with the College of Physicians and Surgeons to introduce physician assistants into B.C.’s emergency departments,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“This will support health-care workers to provide services to patients and help patients access the services they need as we continue to build out team-based care across the health-care system.”

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia has posted the proposed bylaw changes online for public consultation and feedback within the next week.

If approved, the amended bylaw will allow physician assistants to practice in emergency departments under the direction and supervision of physicians.

Physician assistants work under the direction and supervision of physicians to provide a broad range of health services, including performing patient exams, ordering laboratory and diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, managing treatment plans, and advising patients on preventative care and optimal health practices.

There are currently three physician-assistant training programs in Canada and training generally takes 24-months. Graduates are then eligible to write the certification exam from the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada to practice in the country.

It is estimated that there are approximately 30 to 50 physician assistants living in British Columbia, with the province working on getting those numbers up.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.