The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) is now in force, and we have updated our website to reflect many of the changes. You’ll notice that some pages may still reference the former Health Professions Act (HPA) as we work through these updates. Please note that previously saved bookmarks or links may no longer work due to the update.
We’ve highlighted some changes that will stand out under the new HPOA.
Professional Practice Policies are replaced by Regulatory Statements
In addition to making new bylaws under the HPOA, CPBC has revised its bylaws under the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA) so they align with the new HPOA framework. As part of these changes, most of the content that was previously included in our Professional Practice Policies (PPPs) has been incorporated into the bylaws under either the HPOA or PODSA.
As a result, we are retiring the use of PPPs and introducing a new publication called Regulatory Statements. Some former PPP content has been moved into new Regulatory Statements. We expect to use these statements for a variety of purposes such as providing clarification of College processes or positions on regulatory matters, and providing additional information or guidance related to the practice of the profession and the operation of pharmacies under the new regulatory framework.
Changes at a Glance
The table below shows some of the key changes you'll see under the HPOA.
Terminology Changes
Previously
As of April 1, 2026
Notes
Health Professions Act (HPA)
Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA)
Pharmacy professionals are Registrants
Pharmacy professionals are Licensees
Documents, website, and forms to be updated.
CPBC is using the term “professional licensees” to differentiate from pharmacy licence holders under PODSA.
Limited Registration
Provisional Licence
Limited Registration will become a Provisional Licence, with existing limits, conditions, and remaining renewal period(s) carried over for those who were Limited Registrants before April 1.
This license class will be available for new or reinstating applicants who do not meet requirements for registration as full pharmacist or pharmacy technician licence classes.
Temporary Registration
Not available at this time.
This license class will only be available if/when the registrar determines it is necessary in case of emergencies under the
Public Health Act.
Introduced at start of COVID-19 pandemic. All previous temporary registration for that reason was ended by March 31, 2026.
Non-practising Registration
Not available
Discontinued pursuant to new College governance structure under the HPOA.
Registration email
Licensure email
New Professional Licensing email
New Pharmacy Licensing email
The new emails are now active. Please update your email lists and contacts accordingly.
Discipline Changes
Previously
As of April 1, 2026
Notes
Citations for disciplinary hearings are issued by the Inquiry Committee.
Citations for disciplinary hearings may only be issued by the Director of Discipline on request of college.
If complaint includes sexual abuse allegations, college must get Director of Discipline approval to dispose of the complaint without requesting a citation.
Less serious disciplinary outcomes are not required to be published.
All disciplinary orders are required to be published.
If a college asks the Director of Discipline to issue a citation, the reasons for the college's request must also be published.
Discipline hearings conducted by college discipline committee.
Statutory Committee Changes
Previously
As of April 1, 2026
Notes
Registration Committee
Licence Committee
Board members are no longer permitted to serve as members of statutory committees.
Inquiry Committee
Investigation Committee
Application Committee (under HPA)
Application Committee (under PODSA)
Governance Changes
Previously
As of April 1, 2026
Notes
Registrants are members of the college.
Professional licensees are not members of the College.
CPBC issues licences but no longer grants registration as a member of the College.
Annual General Meetings
Discontinued.
AGMs are no longer required or appropriate under the HPOA, as health professionals are no longer college members.
Professional board members are elected by registrants, public board members are appointed by the Minister of Health.
All Board members are appointed by the Minister of Health.
Elections are discontinued under the HPOA. The Superintendent is responsible for recruiting, assessing, and recommending candidates to the Minister of Health for appointment.
Board composition can vary from 66% registrants and 33% public members, to 50% registrants and 50% public members, depending on Minister’s appointment policy.
Board is comprised of 50% professional licensees and 50% public members.