Regulatory College Bylaws Under Review to Align with Legislative Changes

The BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) is redrafting its bylaws to align with new provisions in the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), which come into force April 1, 2026 and replace the existing Health Professions Act. 

BCCNM bylaws guide and direct nurses’ practice. Some bylaws are specifically required under the HPOA, while others are developed and enforced by the college within the scope of the regulatory authority the HPOA gives it.

BCCNM is releasing parts of these new draft bylaws in stages and seeking feedback from members of the public, registrants (licensees), health partners and Indigenous leaders. BCNU encourages members licensed under BCCNM to participate in the consultation process and advocate for the profession. Nurses’ participation will help:

• Ensure bylaws reflect current practice realities – As health care is constantly evolving, nurses are best positioned to know how proposed changed would affect real-world patient care, workload, and clinical decision-making. They can also point out whether proposed changes align with modern practice environments, interprofessional collaboration, technology use and population health needs.
• Strengthen self-regulation – Active nurse participation in the regulatory college demonstrates professional responsibility and reinforces the legitimacy of regulating our own profession in service to the public.
• Promote equity, diversity and inclusion – Nurses are well-positioned to identify whether bylaw changes could have negative effects on nurses through a human rights and equity lens, including nurses who are Indigenous, people of colour, 2SLGBTQI+ or workers with disabilities.

Visit the BCCNM website for more information on the HPOA bylaw consultation process and to provide feedback to the college.