BCCNM's Licensing Program reviews and assesses every application for licensure, including reinstatement, to determine if an applicant meets BCCNM's licensing requirements. If concerns are identified that indicate an applicant may not meet the fitness to practise (capacity and competence) and good character requirements to be eligible for licensure, the application may require review by the Licence Committee.
Information which may indicate an applicant is not fit to practise and/or is not of good character includes:
- past, or current, regulatory investigations;
- past, or current, criminal charges;
- past, or current, workplace investigations;
- evidence of a current, or recently manifested physical or mental ailment, an addiction to alcohol or drugs, or problematic substance use that may impair an applicant’s physical, mental, or emotional ability or capacity, including when a condition has not been, or is not being, adequately acknowledged, treated, or managed;
- submission of inaccurate information to BCCNM; and
- engaging in unlicensed practice.
Application process
After submitting your application, and following collection of the required standard documentation, if we determine your application may require review by the Licence Committee, your application will be assigned to a member of the Licensing Cases team for further investigation. You may be asked to provide additional information to help address the concerns such as: a reflective statement, references, medical expert opinions, and court records.
Timelines
Depending on the requirement(s) being considered and the complexities associated with your application, it may take several months or longer before a determination is made regarding your eligibility for practising licensure.
BCCNM manages a high volume of applications. All applications are processed in the order they are received and as quickly as possible. Depending on the requirement(s) being considered and the seriousness of any concerns your application may raise, it may take several months or longer before a decision is made regarding your eligibility for practising licensure.
Factors that may impact processing times include:
- The volume of applications BCCNM is managing
- The number of issues identified in your application;
- The seriousness or level of risk raised by any of the issue(s)
- The length of time it may take to obtain any required documentation/information
Licence Committee
The Licence Committee is comprised of licensees and public representatives, appointed by BCCNM's board, and holds the highest authority at BCCNM for making licensing decisions. The committee's authority is set out in the
Health Professions and Occupations Act and
BCCNM's bylaws.
- Do applicants appear before the Licence Committee?
Applicants do not appear before the committee but are given the opportunity to provide written submissions to the committee.
- How does the Licence Committee reach a decision?
The committee will consider all information submitted. The committee's decisions are guided by the
Health Professions and Occupations Act, BCCNM's bylaws, and BCCNM's policies.
- When will my application be reviewed?
The Licence Committee meets in panels approximately once a month. When specific applications are reviewed by the committee depends on several factors including when assessments are complete, the required composition of the panel members, and the volume of applications requiring Licence Committee review.
- How will I be notified of the Licence Committee's decision?
If your application is before the Licence Committee for consideration, you will be notified of the committee's decision by email within 60 days of the meeting.
Licence Committee process
After reviewing your application and all other information submitted, the Licence Committee may decide to:
- Grant practising licensure
If the Licence Committee is satisfied you meet all licensing requirements, you will be eligible for practising licensure.
- Grant practising or provisional licensure with limits and/or conditions
Limits or conditions may include passing the required exam, practising with only a specific employer, obtaining a satisfactory employee evaluation, completing a regulatory practice consultation, or undergoing a period of medical monitoring.
- Require additional steps be taken before being considered eligible for licensure
Additional steps may include completing coursework, participating in a regulatory practice consultation, and passing the required exam.
- Refuse practising licensure
If the Licence Committee is not satisfied you meet all licensing requirements, your application for licensure will be refused.