by Cullen Mccue, National File:

Lawmakers in British Columbia have advanced legislation that could lead to prison time for doctors who give advice that goes against federal guidelines and narratives. The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) was approved by the legislature last Thursday and immediately received Royal Assent.

The new legislation is aimed at replacing the Health Professions Act in British Columbia and will make significant changes to how all health professions are regulated. It now awaits a cabinet order to determine when it will be enacted.