Bylaw change could allow physician assistants to work in B.C. emergency rooms

The B.C. Ministry of Health says a proposed bylaw change by the body that regulates doctors could allow physician assistants to work in provincial emergency rooms.

The ministry says the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. has moved to make the change, which would require physician assistants to register with the college and work in hospital emergency rooms under doctor supervision.

A physician assistant is a medical professional that works under the supervisor of a physician. While they do not possess a medical degree, they are educated through a two-year graduate program under the same medical model used to train doctors.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says the ministry and the college have worked together to make the change, which will give patients better access to services while supporting other health-care workers.

Dix, speaking Thursday to CBC's On The Island, said the extra hands in emergency rooms will allow doctors to care for more patients.

"This is one measure we are taking to expand the health-care work force and allow people to work to their skills," said Dix.

Physician assistants can work in any clinical setting and perform a broad range of services, including conducting patient interviews and physical examinations, performing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, prescribing most medicines, ordering and reading tests, and making referrals under the guidance of a physician.

"This will help. It doesn't solve all the problems, but it contributes," said Dix.

The college's CEO, Dr. Heidi Oetter, says the regulator looks forward to bringing physician assistants into the fold to license them to work in B.C. emergency rooms, following other provinces including Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

The ministry statement says it's estimated that between 30 and 50 physician assistants live in B.C., and only three programs offer the training across the country, typically taking two years to complete.

The B.C. United caucus first asked the NDP government to allow physician assistants to work in the province in May 2022 and renewed their call in a letter in January.

Three programs in the country train physician assistants: the University of Manitoba, the University of Toronto, and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.

The Canadian Armed Forces also uses physician assistants on its bases, in the field and on its ships and submarines, as do other provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick.