B.C. expands restricted-activity permissions for occupational therapists, opticians, optometrists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and pharmacists

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This amendment broadens what several regulated health professions can do without additional authorization. Occupational therapists gain the ability to administer oxygen by inhalation and, if certified, to perform wound-care procedures below the dermis and conduct airway suctioning. Opticians are newly authorized to fit contact lenses as a full restricted activity. Optometrists no longer need certification to perform certain vision-related restricted activities, and their drug-prescribing and dispensing authority is clarified to cover general therapeutic treatment, diagnosis, and topically administered drugs, with a new duty to notify a patient's primary care provider when prescribing for therapeutic purposes. Physical therapists gain explicit authority for wound-care procedures below the dermis, and airway-suctioning rules are restated. Speech-language pathologists see their list of permitted restricted activities updated, including oxygen administration by inhalation. Pharmacists may now administer Schedule I, IA, or II drugs topically and may use any method to treat anaphylaxis that arises from performing those topical-administration activities. Organizations employing or credentialing these professionals should review scope-of-practice policies and certification records to reflect the updated permissions.

Who this affects
occupational therapists · opticians · optometrists · physical therapists · speech-language pathologists · pharmacists