Podiatric Medicine

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia is the regulatory body established for the health profession of podiatric medicine.

On August 31, 2020, the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia amalgamated with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. The amalgamated colleges continue under the name: College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.

Podiatric medicine has been a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since July 1, 2010, and is regulated by the College in accordance with the Act, the Podiatrists Regulation and the bylaws of the College (PDF, 609KB).

Podiatric medicine has been a regulated profession under British Columbia legislation since 1960. Before designation under the Health Professions Act, the profession was regulated under the former Podiatrists Act.

Transition of Podiatric Medicine to the Health Professions Act

Repeal of the Podiatrists Act was provided for in the Health Professions Amendment Act, 2003.

As required by the Health Professions Act, the Ministry gave notice of the proposed amendment to the Health Professions Designation Regulation and the proposed Podiatrists Regulation on February 17, 2010. Comments were requested to be submitted to the Ministry no later than May 17, 2010.

Effective July 1, 2010, the profession of podiatric medicine was designated under the Health Professions Act, the Podiatrists Regulation was enacted, (but with some provisions not in force until February 1, 2011), and the new College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia was established. Repeal of the Podiatrists Act was set for February 1, 2011.

On June 24, 2010, the Minister appointed the first board of the new College and ordered that the first election of professional members to the board must be held by February 1, 2012

On November 24, 2010, the new College gave notice of proposed bylaws under the Health Professions Act. Comments were requested to be submitted no later than January 14, 2011.

On February 1, 2011, the new College assumed full responsibility for regulating the profession, replacing the BC Association of Podiatrists and the Board of Examiners in Podiatry which were dissolved as of that date.

The first election of professional members to the board was completed on November 3, 2011.

Amendments to the Podiatrists Regulation

Amendments to the Podiatrists Regulation and to most College bylaws are subject to a three-month notice period, unless the Minister specifies a shorter period.

The College is responsible for giving notice of proposed bylaw amendments, including posting them on the College website, and all bylaw amendments must be filed with the Minister to be effective. Filed bylaws come into force 60 days after the date of filing, unless the Minister either disallows the change or specifies an earlier date, or the College withdraws the change.

The full text of the current bylaws and information about any proposed bylaw amendments may be obtained by contacting the College. Comments on proposed bylaw amendments should be submitted to both the College and the Ministry