- Who can use the support programs?
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Anyone can contact the college to ask questions about the complaint process or support programs.
Counselling and support workers are available only to people who make a complaint about
sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or discrimination against a BCCNM‑regulated health professional.
The support programs are
not available for:
- Other types of complaints (such as concerns about care)
- Health professionals who are the subject of a complaint
- The regulatory college itself
- How do I access the support programs?
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After your complaint is received, you may be invited to apply for the Support Program.
If you are eligible, a Support Officer will contact you to confirm eligibility and help set up the support you choose.
- Do I have to use the support programs?
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No. Using the support programs is your choice. Some people use them, and others use supports they already have.
- Are Indigenous or culturally based supports available?
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Yes. Indigenous cultural supports may be available for people who identify as Indigenous and want culturally grounded support. This may include support from Indigenous practitioners using trauma aware and culturally informed approaches.
- Who are Indigenous cultural supports for?
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BCCNM recognizes and respects Indigenous peoples from around the world and acknowledges the distinct histories, cultures, rights, and relationships that exist within their respective homelands and territories. However, BCCNM’s Indigenous support services are available to people who are Indigenous under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis). If you are Indigenous to the United States, we would encourage you to reach out and determine if Indigenous support services are also appropriate for you.
These supports are offered in recognition of the unique rights, interests, and experiences of Indigenous peoples in North America and in alignment with the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. These services provide culturally safe, trauma-informed support during the complaints process.
If you have any questions, please contact
supportprogram@bccnm.ca.
- Do I have to pay for the support programs?
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No. The programs are paid for by health regulatory colleges in British Columbia, as required by the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA).
- Is there a limit to how much support I can receive?
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We will work with you to make sure you receive appropriate support while you take part in the complaint process.
- Is there a time limit on how long I can use the programs?
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You can access counselling, a support worker, and/or cultural supports while your complaint is active.
We will work with you to manage the available funding based on your needs.
- Will I have to repay costs if my complaint is not proven?
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In some cases, BCCNM may ask for repayment if:
- The complaint is dismissed because it was frivolous, vexatious, made in bad faith, or an abuse of process
- False or misleading information was provided
- Funding was paid for services that were not received or only partly received
- What is the Support Worker Program?
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The Support Worker Program gives people who make complaints about sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or discrimination access to a support worker. The support worker helps you understand and move through the complaint process.
- Can a support worker advocate or investigate for me?
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No. Support workers do not:
- Investigate complaints
- Give legal advice
- Advocate for outcomes
- Act on behalf of BCCNM
- How do I request a support worker?
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After you submit your complaint, you may be invited to apply for the Support Program.
If eligible, a Support Officer will contact you to help set up the support you want.
- Who is eligible for the Support Worker Program?
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Only complaints about sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or discrimination that happened during care provided by a BCCNM licensee are eligible.
- Who pays for the Support Worker Program?
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The program is paid for by health regulatory colleges in British Columbia, as required by the HPOA.
- What qualifications do support workers have?
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Support workers are expected to be able to:
- Explain the complaint process clearly
- Share helpful information and documents
- Support you during investigations or proceedings, when allowed
- Explain your rights and responsibilities under the HPOA
- Provide non‑clinical, trauma‑informed support
- Have experience supporting people from diverse, equity‑denied, rural, remote, or underserved communities, including online support
- Do support workers receive training?
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Yes. They receive an overview of the complaints process.
- How is a support worker assigned?
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If you choose from the BCCNM list, we will check who is available and give you options so you can choose the best fit.
- What if I want a different support worker?
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Tell us. We will help end the current arrangement and find another support worker.
- Can I choose my own support worker?
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Yes, if needed. To be paid through the program, the person must be approved by the college and meet HPOA requirements.