B.C. Ministry of Health

British Columbia has overhauled how health professionals are regulated, with a new law that increases government oversight drawing both support and sharp criticism from doctors and nurses.

More than 400 U.S.-trained health professionals have accepted jobs in British Columbia since last spring as the province ramps up recruitment to address ongoing health-care worker shortages.

British Columbia will establish a new organization next spring to bring administrative and corporate services from across all health authorities into one office. 

British Columbia’s Health Ministry said that as of Dec. 30, all patients taking prescribed alternatives must do so under the supervision of a health professional, such as a pharmacist or nurse.

U.S.-trained doctors can now become fully licensed in British Columbia without the need for further assessment if they hold certain U.S. certifications.

B.C. is standing by the decision not to continue drug coverage for a Vancouver Island girl with a rare, fatal disease.