FACT BC

01/04/2026

The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) introduces a new era of healthcare regulation—designed to protect patients, improve consistency, and ensure higher standards across the province.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HLTH0033-000347

03/02/2026

When Tina went into labour at just 23 weeks, her baby girl, affectionately nicknamed Dumpling, was rushed to the BC Women's NICU. Over 250 days, Tina and her husband lived through the alarms, uncertainty, and fragile milestones of NICU life. During Dumpling’s most critical moments, music therapy became an unexpected source of calm; helping soothe Dumpling and giving Tina strength when she needed it most. Today, music continues to bring comfort, safety, and connection at home.

The Music Therapy Program at the BC Women's NICU is made possible thanks to the support from Music Heals and our community of generous donors. To help this program continue offering life-changing therapy for the most critically ill babies in BC, make a donation today: bcwomensfoundation.org/donate-now

Pictured: Music Therapist, Carol, and baby Dumpling

14/10/2025

🌟🌟 October 14 is Allied Health Professionals Day 🌟🌟

On this day, we recognize the critical role of the allied health workforce in BC and thank them for their commitment to patients and clients, their contributions to their teams, and the high-quality care they deliver to the people of BC.

There are more than 70 allied health disciplines providing care to the people of BC. We celebrate October 14 as Allied Health Professionals Day to appreciate and recognize the valued contributions of the allied health workforce in BC.

11/10/2025

October 14 is Allied Health Professionals Day! On this day, we will recognize the critical role of the allied health workforce in BC and thank them for their commitment to patients and clients, their contributions to their teams, and the high-quality care they deliver to the people of BC.

10/10/2025

08/10/2025

Allied Health Professionals Day is in ONE WEEK. There are more than 70 allied health disciplines providing care to the people of BC.

What will you be doing to honour the contributions of allied health workers in BC?

20/07/2025

The provincial government has announced important information regarding next steps for the regulation of psychotherapists in BC, including a timeline.

April 1, 2026 – The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) will come into force.
November 29, 2027 — Regulation of psychotherapists will come into effect.

Those of us at the FACTBC table are gratified that our decades of effort have finally been rewarded.

The following links include a lot of information about the entire regulatory framework within which we will be located.

Main Professional Regulation Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/professional-regulation
HPOA Info and Q&A: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/professional-regulation/health-professions-and-occupations-act
Health Professions and Occupations Act: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/bills/billsprevious/3rd42nd:gov36-3
Regulated Health Practitioners Regulation: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0217_2025
Health and Care Professionals Regulation: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0219_2025 *Part 10 Practice of Psychotherapy in this document speaks to protected title and scope of practice for psychotherapists.

Key points:
• Regulation of psychotherapists will come into effect November 29, 2027.
• Psychotherapists will be regulated under the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
• "Psychotherapist" will be a protected title according to the most recent HPOA regulations
• The registration process and requirements for psychotherapists has not yet been determined.

03/06/2025

Traditional talk therapy isn't always an option for some individuals. Art therapy can act as a transitional tool, social support, and a means of expression for people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Donna Betts, PhD, ATR-BC joins fellow art therapist Dr. Jordan Potash to discuss how art therapy can act as a transitional tool, social support, and a means ...

04/04/2025

08/03/2025

"Music therapy can be a tool to help improve attention and focus, reduce hyperactivity and strengthen social and communication skills. It works in part because music is structured, which can help a child learn to anticipate, plan and react."

Variety – the Children’s Charity of BC supports children with disabilities and complex health needs gain access to life-changing programs

24/01/2025

Are you a business owner, manager, or supervisor?

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has released a free Workplace Mental Health Toolkit to help Canadian organizations create a supportive environment for mental health at work.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing occupational health and safety information and advice.

23/01/2025

Taking care of your mental health during the winter months:

​​A message from Dr. Nolan Hop Wo, Medical Officer, Mental Wellness, Office of the Chief Medical Officer; and Duanna Johnston-Virgo, Executive Director, Mental Health & Wellness