B.C. could soon see physician assistants hired to help doctors in hospital emergency departments, where staffing shortages have led to closures.
The Health Ministry announced Wednesday that it’s seeking public feedback online for the next seven days on proposed bylaw changes to enable physician assistants to work in emergency departments throughout British Columbia.
The consultation is a joint initiative of the ministry and College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.
If approved, the amended bylaw will allow physician assistants, who will have to register with the college, to practise in emergency departments under the direction and supervision of physicians.
Over the last year, physician assistants have ramped up their fight to be licensed in B.C., as they are in other provinces.
Physician assistants are already licensed to practice in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says his ministry has been working with the college to introduce physician assistants into emergency departments.
“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,” Dix said in a statement.
Dr. Heidi Oetter, registrar and college CEO, said in a statement that the college is pleased to be asked to license and regulate physician assistants.
“Physicians assistants working in emergency departments in B.C. will increase the workforce that provides emergency services and improve access to care for B.C. patients, ” she said.
Working under the supervision of physicians, physician assistants 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 health care.
There are three physician assistant training programs in Canada and training generally takes two years.
Graduates are then eligible to write the certification exam from the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada to practise in the country, according to the Health Ministry.
There are approximately 30 to 50 physician assistants living in British Columbia. Many in B.C. were trained through the military, which once trained physician assistants.
