Notices to the Professions

Notice to the Professions /
Provincial Health Officer confirms scope of Ministry of Health Mask Use Policy

CSHBC has received confirmation from the Provincial Health Officer that a recently released Ministry of Health policy on mask use in health care facilities does not apply to CSHBC registrants working in private practice settings.

On November 10, 2020, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a letter confirming the scope of the Ministry of Health Policy Communique 2020-05: Mask Use in Health Care Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic, sent to Health Authority CEOs on November 4, 2020.

In her letter, Dr. Henry confirms that the Policy does not apply to allied health practitioners in private practice settings, such as audiologists, hearing instrument practitioners, and speech-language pathologists. Dr. Henry advises that registrants working in these settings continue to follow COVID-19 safety plans developed for their return to practice in May 2020, using guidance provided by their regulatory college. This includes the critical step of pre-screening all patients for COVID-19 in advance and maintaining appropriate distancing in waiting areas.

Dr. Henry has asked that practitioners – particularly those in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions – review, update, and rigorously follow their COVID-19 safety plans.

RAUDs, RHIPs, and RSLPs who work in public health clinics, hospitals, health agencies, long-term care facilities, school districts, and other public sector settings should continue to follow the direction of their employers and public health officials.

College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia

Address:
900 – 200 Granville St
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1S4

Phone: 604.742.6380
Toll-free: 1.888.742.6380
Email: [email protected]