COVID-19
Q1: Do I need to be COVID-19 vaccinated to work as a Dietitian?
In Private Practice, no.
The Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has not mandated vaccination for healthcare professionals working in the private sector. Read more in the September 15, 2022 Information Bulletin.
In Public Healthcare, yes.
This includes registrants working in residential care, acute care, and community settings.
How do I know if I work in a setting covered in this PHO order?
- Registrants who are employed by a regional health board (authority), the Provincial Health Services Authority, British Columbia Emergency Health Services, the Providence Health Care Society or a provincial mental health facility,
- Registrants who are contracted or funded by a regional health board (authority), the Provincial Health Services Authority, British Columbia Emergency Health Services, the Providence Health Care Society, Ministry of Health or Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, to provide health care or services in a hospital or in the community,
- Registrants employed, contracted, or funded by a person contracted or funded by a regional health board (authority), the Provincial Health Services Authority, British Columbia Emergency Health Services, the Providence Health Care Society, Ministry of Health or Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, to provide health care or services in a hospital or in the community.
PHO Order: Residential Care COVID-19 Preventive Measures – September 12, 2022 (PDF)
Q2: Does the CDBC require me to be COVID-19 vaccinated?
No.
College position on PHO orders and vaccination
The College fully supports the vaccination efforts of the province – for registrants and the public. These are important measures needed to help protect British Columbians, including those who continue to be vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated. The public needs to have confidence that when they receive health care from a health professional, they are not putting their health at risk.
We recognize that the vast majority of registrants have taken their responsibility to help eliminate COVID-19 in our communities seriously by getting vaccinated and diligently following COVID-19 prevention practices at work, including but not limited to completing point of care risk assessments and following appropriate infection prevention and control practices such as staying home when unwell, wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance wherever possible, practicing good hand hygiene, sanitizing high touch surfaces and, where possible, practicing virtually.
We continue to encourage all registrants to get fully vaccinated: this is the best way to protect clients/patients from harm and preserve our ability to safely deliver health services. When you get vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself against COVID-19, but also everyone around you.
Q3: Is the CDBC reporting my vaccine status to the Ministry of Health?
Yes, when being requested.
Under the PHO order: Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information – June 10, 2022 (PDF), the CDBC, as with all health profession regulatory colleges, continues to be legally required to record the COVID-19 vaccination status of their registrants.
If you have questions about this PHO order, please see PHO Order at a Glance Q&A.
Q4: Where can I find the latest information on mask use and infection prevention for me and for my clients?
Review Mask Use and Infection Prevention & Control Guidance for Health Professionals – April 1, 2022 – PDF for details and refer to resources from sources such as the BC Centre for Disease Control and WorkSafeBC to determine how to apply these recommendations to your own practice setting.
Q5: Can I perform nasopharyngeal COVID-19 swabs, a PCR test, or administer vaccines? What about other non-traditional dietetic tasks to help out during a surge or short-staff shift?
Refer to the Interprofessional Support Q&A for details. If you continue to have questions, please reach out anytime to practice.advisory@collegeofdietitiansbc.org.