CAPA welcomes the recent statement from the Consultant Specialists of British Columbia (cSBC) expressing support for the integration of Physician Assistants (PAs) into B.C.’s healthcare system.
In the statement, cSBC recognizes the potential of PAs within a Specialist Physician-led, team-based model of specialty care. As B.C. continues to face healthcare access challenges, the statement notes that PAs may help expand Specialist capacity by improving efficiency and increasing patient throughput.
cSBC also supports enabling Specialists who wish to hire PAs to do so within an appropriate regulatory framework. The statement highlights the importance of regulatory oversight, liability coverage, sustainable funding, and defined Physician supervision.
CAPA supports this responsible approach to PA integration. Physician Assistants are trained to work collaboratively with physicians and are intended to add to — not replace — Physician capacity.
CAPA appreciates cSBC’s recognition of the role PAs can play in strengthening healthcare teams and improving access to care for patients across British Columbia.