Proposed amendment to College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. bylaws for restricted registration for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC has posted a proposed addition to Part 2, Section B of the Bylaws under the Health Professions Act.
Comments can be posted until April 15. Email address below.

The new section 2-24 of the Bylaws will allow international medical graduates (IMGs) to be registered on a restricted class of registration called the “associate physician class” to provide a much-needed service in acute care settings. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the minister of health has approved the proposed Bylaws and agreed to a shortened time frame for consultation. The consultation will close on April 15, 2020.

Overview
International medical graduates who are not eligible for a full or provisional licence in BC may be eligible to apply for restricted licensure as associate physicians under the direction and supervision of attending physicians in acute care settings. An associate physician is not licensed for independent practice and must not act in the capacity as the most responsible physician. A typical role for an associate physician includes working as part of a hospitalist team or in an operating room as a surgical assistant.

In order to qualify, an IMG must have:
• a medical degree
• at least two years of postgraduate training in a medical or surgical specialty
• part 1 of the LMCC qualifying exams

Their application for registration must be preceded by a detailed written request from one of the regional health authorities.
Associate physicians will work in teams as employees of a regional health authority.
Associate physicians will pay registration and licensing fees as reflected in Schedule A.
The proposed Bylaw amendments have been posted for a 15-day notice period, giving College registrants and other interested parties the opportunity to review and comment.
• Bylaw amendments: Section 2-24 (new)
• Bylaw amendments: Schedule A (redline version)
• Bylaw amendments: Schedule A (clean version)

Comments can be submitted to the following by April 15, 2020:
College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia
Attention: Registrar and CEO
Email: bylaw3@cpsbc.ca
Ministry of Health, Health Sector Workforce Division
Attention: Brian Westgate, Director of Strategic Priorities
Email: proregadmin@gov.bc.ca