b.c. greens propose changes to regulate counselling therapists
b.c. greens introduce changes to health professions act
jun 3 2021
1 minute read
green party leader sonia furstenau says the proposed amendments are "an important part of ensuring that professionals in this sector are operating with a clear set of standards and practice codes" as well as ensuring "safety, transparency and accountability" for clients.
chad hipolito
/
the canadian press files
by: lisa cordasco
victoria — the b.c. green party hopes to persuade the provincial government to regulate mental health therapists and close loopholes in the regulation of social workers.
in proposing changes to the health professions act on wednesday, green leader sonia furstenau says the proposed amendments are “an important part of ensuring that professionals in this sector are operating with a clear set of standards and practice codes” as well as ensuring “safety, transparency and accountability” for clients.
currently, anyone, regardless of experience, can call themselves a counsellor in b.c.
although social workers in health care are regulated, others are exempt.
furstenau says her party’s health professions amendment act (2021) would close loopholes in legislation that have delayed the regulation of counselling therapists and all social workers as part of the broader health professions umbrella.
the minister of health said changes are coming and will be based on recommendations from an all-party committee, of which furstenau is a member.
adrian dix said: “we’re moving forward with the most significant reform of the health profession in the history of british columbia. i think it will be the model for all of canada for health professional regulation.”
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dix did not say when those reforms will be introduced, nor did he indicate whether he will support the green party’s bill.
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