Preamble, second paragraph, BEFORE amended by 2008-37-1(a), effective May 29, 2008 (Royal Assent).
WHEREAS the people and government of British Columbia wish to confirm and entrench universality, comprehensiveness, accessibility, portability and public administration as the guiding principles of the health care system of British Columbia and are committed to the preservation of these principles in perpetuity;
Preamble (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 357/2010 under RS1996-440-12, effective December 6, 2010 (BC Reg 357/2010).
WHEREAS the people and government of British Columbia are committed to developing an efficient, effective and integrated health care system aimed at promoting and improving the health of all citizens and providing high quality patient care that is medically appropriate and that ensures reasonable access to medically necessary services consistent with the Canada Health Act (Canada);
Section 1 (1) definition of "board" BEFORE repealed by 2003-96-46, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
"board" means the Medical and Health Care Services Appeal Board established under section 41;
Section 1 (1) definition of "chair" BEFORE amended by 2003-96-46, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
"chair", other than in Part 8 or with reference to a special committee, means the individual who is appointed under section 3 to chair the commission;
Section 1 (1) definitions of "appropriate disciplinary body", "appropriate licensing body" and "health care practitioner" BEFORE amended by 2003-57-52, effective March 1, 2009 (BC Reg 420/2008).
"appropriate disciplinary body" means the person or body having the power to suspend or cancel the right to practise as a practitioner under
(a) the Chiropractors Act, for a chiropractor,
(b) the Dentists Act, for a dentist,
(c) the Medical Practitioners Act, for a medical practitioner,
(d) [Repealed 1999-12-13.]
(e) the Optometrists Act, for an optometrist,
(f) the Podiatrists Act, for a podiatrist, or
(g) the governing Act, bylaws or rules, for a member of a health care profession or occupation prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (f) of the definition of "health care practitioner";
"appropriate licensing body" means the person or body having the power to grant the right to practise as a practitioner under
(a) the Chiropractors Act, for a chiropractor,
(b) the Dentists Act, for a dentist,
(c) the Medical Practitioners Act, for a medical practitioner,
(d) [Repealed 1999-12-13.]
(e) the Optometrists Act, for an optometrist,
(f) the Podiatrists Act, for a podiatrist, or
(g) the governing Act, bylaws or rules, for a member of a health care profession or occupation prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (f) of the definition of "health care practitioner";
"health care practitioner" means a person registered as
(a) a chiropractor under the Chiropractors Act,
(b) a dentist under the Dentists Act,
(c) [Repealed 1999-12-13.]
(d) an optometrist under the Optometrists Act,
(e) a podiatrist under the Podiatrists Act, or
(f) a member of a health care profession or occupation that may be prescribed;
Section 1 definition of "adult" was added by 2011-13-108(a), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 1 definition of "beneficiary" BEFORE amended by 2011-13-108(b), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
"beneficiary" means a resident who is enrolled in accordance with section 7, and includes that resident's spouse or child who is a resident and has been enrolled under section 7;
Section 1 in the definition of "child", subparagraphs (i) and (ii) BEFORE amended and subparagraph (ii) was repealed by 2011-13-108(c), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
(i) is a minor, or
(ii) is older than 18 and younger than 25 years and is in full time attendance at a post secondary institution that is approved by the commission,
Section 1 in the definition of "enroll", paragraph (a) BEFORE amended by 2011-13-108(d), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
(a) in respect of a beneficiary, enrollment under section 7, and
Section 1 definition of "medical practitioner" BEFORE repealed by 2011-13-108(e), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
"medical practitioner" means a medical practitioner as defined in section 29 of the Interpretation Act;
Section 1 definition of "resident", paragraph (c) BEFORE amended by 2013-12-27, effective March 14, 2013 (Royal Assent).
(c) is physically present in British Columbia at least 6 months in a calendar year,
Section 1 definition of "spouse", paragraph (b) BEFORE amended by 2011-25-407, effective March 18, 2013 (BC Reg 131/2012).
(b) is living and cohabiting with another person in a marriage-like relationship, including a marriage-like relationship between persons of the same gender.
Section 1 definition of "benefits", paragraph (c) (ii) (A) BEFORE amended by 2014-8-90, effective October 1, 2015 (BC Reg 52/2015).
(A) on order of a person in a prescribed category of persons, or
Section 1 definition of "diagnostic facility" BEFORE amended by 2014-8-90, effective October 1, 2015 (BC Reg 52/2015).
"diagnostic facility" means a facility, place or office principally equipped for
(a) prescribed diagnostic services, studies or procedures, or
(b) the taking or collecting of specimens for purposes of diagnosis, treatment or prevention of illness, injury or disease
and includes any branches of a diagnostic facility;
Section 1 definition of "enroll" BEFORE amended by 2016-5-19, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
"enroll" means,
(a) in respect of a beneficiary, enrollment under section 7.2, and
(b) in respect of a practitioner, enrollment under section 13;
Section 1 definition of "premium" BEFORE repealed by 2019-8-1, effective January 1, 2020.
means an amount prescribed under section 8;
Section 1 definition of "resident", paragraph (b) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-546, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
Section 3 (3) BEFORE amended by 2014-8-92, effective October 1, 2015 (BC Reg 52/2015).
(3) The Medical Services Plan established under the former Act is continued and the function of the commission is to facilitate, in the manner provided for in this Act, reasonable access, throughout British Columbia, to quality medical care, health care and diagnostic facility services for residents of British Columbia under the Medical Services Plan.
Section 3 (1) (a) and (b) BEFORE amended by 2023-2-12, effective March 9, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(a) 3 members appointed from among 3 or more persons nominated by the British Columbia Medical Association;
(b) 3 members appointed on the joint recommendation of the minister and the British Columbia Medical Association to represent beneficiaries;
Section 5 (3) BEFORE amended by 2007-9-56, effective June 21, 2007 (BC Reg 226/2007).
(3) The commission has, for the purposes of conducting hearings under this Act, the powers, privileges and protections of a commissioner under sections 12, 15 and 16 of the Inquiry Act.
Section 5 (2) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 357/2010 under RS1996-440-12, effective December 6, 2010 (BC Reg 357/2010).
(2) The commission must not act under subsection (1) in a manner that does not satisfy the criteria described in section 7 of the Canada Health Act (Canada).
Section 5 (1) (g.1) and subsection (6.1) were added by 2011-13-109, effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 5 (1) (s) BEFORE amended by 2014-8-93, effective October 1, 2015 (BC Reg 52/2015).
(s) apply section 26 for supply management and optimum distribution of medical care, health care and diagnostic services throughout British Columbia;
Section 5 (1) (j.1) was added by 2003-95-1, effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Section 5 (1) (i) BEFORE amended by 2019-8-3, effective January 1, 2020.
(i) determine for the purposes of this Act whether a person meets the requirements established in the regulations for premium assistance;
Section 5.01 was enacted by 2011-13-110, effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 5.1 (a) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 357/2010 under RS1996-440-12, effective December 6, 2010 (BC Reg 357/2010).
(a) the principles established under the Canada Health Act (Canada) as the criteria for a province to qualify for a full cash contribution for a fiscal year, those principles being public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability and accessibility;
Sections 7 to 7.2 BEFORE re-enacted by 2011-13-111, effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Eligibility and enrollment of beneficiaries
7 (1) A resident must apply to the commission in the manner required by the commission
(a) for enrollment as a beneficiary if not already enrolled,
(b) for enrollment of the resident's spouse as a beneficiary if the spouse
(i) is not living separate and apart from the resident,
(ii) is not enrolled or applying for enrollment as a beneficiary, and
(iii) has not submitted a statement under subsection (1.1),
(c) for enrollment of each of the resident's children as a beneficiary if the child
(i) is a resident,
(ii) is not living independently from the resident, and
(iii) is not enrolled or applying for enrollment as a beneficiary.
(1.1) Subsection (1) (a) does not apply to a resident who submits a statement to the commission in the manner required by the commission stating that the resident does not want to be enrolled as a beneficiary.
(1.2) A statement under subsection (1.1) may not be submitted for the purpose of requesting that a child described by subsection (1) (c) not be enrolled.
(2) The commission must, after determining that the applicant, the spouse of the applicant and each of the applicant's children named in the application are residents, enroll as beneficiaries those covered by the application who are residents, effective not more than 3 months after receipt of the application.
(3) The commission may, at the time of enrollment under subsection (2), or at any other time, enroll as a beneficiary a spouse or a child of a beneficiary after the commission determines that the spouse or child is a resident.
(4) An enrollment under subsection (2) or (3) may be made effective on a date preceding the date of application for enrollment.
(5) A beneficiary enrolled under subsection (2) or (3) must pay to the commission the applicable premiums.
(6) A person who was an insured person under the former Act immediately before this Act came into force is a beneficiary under this Act until he or she ceases to be a beneficiary in accordance with this Act or the regulations.
(7) The commission may cancel the enrollment of a beneficiary effective
(a) on application by the beneficiary, effective on a date subsequent to the date of the application,
(b) on the date the commission determines to have been the date that the beneficiary ceased to be a resident, or
(c) on the date of enrollment as a beneficiary, if the commission determines that the beneficiary was not eligible for enrollment on that date.
(7.1) Subsection (7) (a) does not apply for the purpose of requesting that the enrollment of a child described by subsection (1) (c) be cancelled.
(8) If a person paid premiums for a period after which cancellation of that person's enrollment as a beneficiary took effect, the commission must, if practicable, refund the amount of those premiums to the person who paid them unless the commission determines that the person would be unjustly enriched by the refund.
(9) A beneficiary must, within 14 days of the change, provide the commission with
(a) the beneficiary's former and new addresses, if there is a change in these addresses, or
(b) the beneficiary's former and new names, if there is a change in the beneficiary's name.
Consequence to beneficiary of withdrawal from the plan
7.1 The commission must not enroll a person as a beneficiary for a prescribed period from the date that the commission
(a) receives a statement under section 7 (1.1) from the person, or
(b) cancels the enrollment of the person under section 7 (7) (a).
Section 7 (1) (a), (b) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(a) for enrollment as a beneficiary, if not already enrolled, and
(b) for enrollment of each of the resident's children as a beneficiary if the child
(ii) is not already enrolled, or does not already have someone applying for enrollment on the child's behalf.
Section 7 (2) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(2) Unless exempted under this Act, an adult resident must apply to the commission, within the prescribed period or at the prescribed time, to renew the resident's enrollment as a beneficiary.
Section 7.1 (1) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the commission may exempt a person from one or more of the following requirements:
(a) to renew enrollment under section 7 (2);
(b) to renew enrollment within the prescribed period or at the prescribed time;
(c) to provide proof of identity or residency for the purposes of enrollment or renewal of enrollment.
Section 7.2 (1) and (2) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-40,Sch 2, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(1) After confirming the identity and determining the residency of
(a) an applicant under section 7 (1) or (2), and
(b) each of the applicant's children named in the application,
the commission must enroll as beneficiaries those covered by the application who are residents.
(2) After confirming the identity and determining the residency of a child, the commission may, at any time, enroll as a beneficiary a child who is a resident.
Section 7.2 (3) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-20, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(3) Enrollment is effective on the date stated by the commission, that date being
(a) on or before the date on which the application under section 7 (1) or (2) was made, or
(b) not more than 3 months after receipt of the application.
Section 7.2 (4) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-40,Sch 2 and 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(4) The commission must not enroll a person as a beneficiary for a prescribed period from the date that the commission
(a) receives a statement under section 7 (3) from the person, or
(b) cancels the enrollment of the person under section 7.4 (1) (a).
Section 7.2 (5) (b) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(b) a person who is required to renew the person's enrollment as a beneficiary under section 7 (2).
Section 7.2 (5) BEFORE repealed by 2019-8-2, effective January 1, 2020.
(5) The following persons must pay to the commission the applicable premiums:
(b) a person who is required to renew the person's enrolment as a beneficiary under section 7 (2).
Sections 7.3 and 7.4 were enacted by 2011-13-111, effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 7.4 BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
Cancellation of beneficiary enrollment
7.4 (1) The commission may cancel the enrollment of a beneficiary as follows:
(a) on application by an adult beneficiary, effective on a date subsequent to the date of the application as determined by the commission;
(b) if the commission believes the beneficiary has ceased to be a resident, effective on the date the commission determines to have been the date that the beneficiary ceased to be a resident;
(c) if the commission determines that the beneficiary was not eligible for enrollment, effective on the date of enrollment as a beneficiary.
(2) Subsection (1) (a) does not apply for the purpose of requesting that the enrollment of a child described by section 7 (1) (b) be cancelled.
(3) If a beneficiary does not apply to renew enrollment in accordance with section 7 (2), the beneficiary's enrollment is cancelled effective on the date by which the beneficiary was required by the regulations to renew.
Section 8 BEFORE amended and subsection (5) was added by 2011-13-112, effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Premiums
8 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may prescribe premium rates for beneficiaries.
(2) The rates may be different for different categories of beneficiaries, as defined in the regulations.
(3) The regulations may provide that, in respect of a category of beneficiaries as defined in the regulations, no premiums are payable.
(4) A premium that has not been paid during any period in which a beneficiary has been enrolled may be recovered by the commission as a debt owing to the commission.
Section 8 (4) (b) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(b) a person who was required to renew the person's enrollment as a beneficiary under section 7 (2) was not enrolled
Section 8 (5) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(5) If a person paid premiums for a period after which cancellation under section 7.4 (1) or (3) of that person's enrollment as a beneficiary took effect, the commission may, if the commission believes it to be in the public interest, refund all or part of the amount of those premiums to the person who paid them.
Section 8 BEFORE repealed by 2019-8-2, effective January 1, 2020.
Premiums
8 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may prescribe premium rates.
(2) The rates may be different for different categories of persons, as defined in the regulations.
(3) The regulations may provide that, in respect of a category of persons as defined in the regulations, no premiums are payable.
(4) A premium that has not been paid during any period in which
(a) a beneficiary has been enrolled, or
(b) a person who was required to renew the person's enrolment as a beneficiary under section 7 (2) was not enrolled
may be recovered by the commission as a debt owing to the commission.
(5) If a person paid premiums for a period after which cancellation under section 7.4 (1) or (3) of that person's enrolment as a beneficiary took effect, the commission may, if the commission believes it to be in the public interest, refund all or part of the amount of those premiums to the person who paid them.
Section 8.1 BEFORE amended by 2011-13-113, effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 8.2 BEFORE repealed by 2019-8-2, effective January 1, 2020.
Certificate of default
8.2 (1) If a person defaults in the payment of part or all of the premiums, including any interest on premiums, payable under this Act, the commission may issue a certificate in the prescribed form stating
(a) that payment is in default,
(b) the amount remaining unpaid, including interest, and
(c) the name of the person by whom it is payable.
(2) The commission may file the certificate with a court of competent jurisdiction 30 days after the commission has served the person in default with
(a) a copy of the certificate, and
(b) a notice stating the location of the court where the certificate will be filed.
(3) The documents referred to in subsection (2) (a) and (b) sent by registered mail to the last known address of the person in default are conclusively deemed to be served on the person to whom they are addressed on the earlier of
(a) the 14th day after these documents were deposited with Canada Post, or
(b) the date on which these documents were actually received by the person, whether by mail or otherwise.
(4) An appeal from a certificate filed under subsection (2) lies to the court at the location where the certificate is filed and, if an appeal is commenced, the application of subsection (7) is not stayed unless the court orders otherwise pending the outcome of the appeal.
(5) No appeal referred to in subsection (4) shall be instituted later than 45 days after the filing of the certificate under subsection (2).
(6) An appeal referred to in subsection (4) shall be a trial de novo and the court may make any order it considers just, including an order that the commission amend its certificate.
(7) On being filed, the certificate, including any amendment made under subsection (6) and interest at the prescribed rate referred to in section 8.1 that later accrues on the amount of the payment remaining unpaid, has the same force and effect, and all proceedings may be taken on it, as if it were a judgment of the court in favour of the government for the recovering of a debt against the person named in the certificate.
(8) Section 32 (2) to (4) applies to the amount referred to in subsection (1) (b) stated in a certificate as though
(a) that amount was the premiums referred to in section 32 (2) collected under an agreement referred to in section 32 (1), and
(b) the person named in the certificate was the person referred to in section 32 (2) who collected the premiums.
Section 11 (1) (c.1) was added by 2011-13-114(a), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 11 (4) BEFORE amended by 2011-13-114(b), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
(4) Before making an order under subsection (2), or a cancellation under section 7 (7) (b) or (c), the commission must notify the beneficiary in a manner the beneficiary can understand
Section 11 (4) BEFORE amended by 2019-8-5 and 6, effective January 1, 2020.
(4) Before making an order under subsection (2), or a cancellation under section 7.4 (1) (b) or (c), the commission must notify the beneficiary in a manner the beneficiary can understand
(a) of the commission's intention to proceed,
(b) of the circumstances giving rise to the commission's intended action,
(c) that the beneficiary has the right to a hearing, to be requested by the beneficiary within 21 days from the date that the notice was delivered, and to appear in person or with legal counsel at the hearing, and
(d) that if the beneficiary does not request a hearing or appear at the hearing, an order may be made in his or her absence.
Section 11 (4) (d) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-547, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(d) that if the beneficiary does not request a hearing or appear at the hearing, an order may be made in his or her absence.
Section 12 (b) (ii) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-548(b), effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(ii) he or she contravenes a restriction imposed under section 11 (2).
Section 13 (6) BEFORE amended by 2007-14-150, effective December 1, 2007 (BC Reg 354/2007).
(6) A practitioner is not entitled to be paid if that practitioner provides a service contrary to any directions or prohibitions that have been imposed on that practitioner by the appropriate disciplinary body, or by this Act, the regulations made under it or rules that regulate services provided by the practitioner.
Section 13 (2) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-40,Sch 2 and 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(2) On receiving an application under subsection (1), the commission must enroll the applicant if the commission is satisfied that the applicant is in good standing with the appropriate licensing body and is not a person in respect of whom enrollment has been cancelled under section 15 (2).
Section 13 (8) and (9) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(8) A practitioner who is enrolled under this section may cancel this enrollment by giving 30 days' written notice of the cancellation to the commission.
(9) A medical practitioner whose enrollment is cancelled under subsection (8) may not apply for enrollment under subsection (1) within 12 months of the date of the cancellation unless the commission, because it considers this to be in the public interest, allows the application.
Section 13 (3) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-549, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(3) A practitioner who renders benefits to a beneficiary is, if this Act and the regulations made under it are complied with, eligible to be paid for his or her services in accordance with the appropriate payment schedule, less any applicable patient visit charge or reduction made under section 24 (2).
Section 13.1 BEFORE repealed by 2002-16-9, effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 179/2002).
Disqualification from enrollment as a medical practitioner
13.1 (1) Despite section 13 (2), no person may be enrolled as a medical practitioner if the person is 75 years of age or older.
(2) The enrollment of a medical practitioner is cancelled on December 31 of the calendar year in which the medical practitioner becomes 75 years of age.
(3) Despite subsection (2), in the calendar year in which this section comes into force, the enrollment of a medical practitioner is cancelled on December 31 of that calendar year if the medical practitioner is 75 years of age or older.
(4) Despite subsections (1) to (3), if the commission is satisfied that beneficiaries may be denied access to necessary benefits if subsections (1) to (3) were to apply to a person, the commission may suspend the application of subsections (1) to (3) to the person on the terms and conditions the commission considers appropriate.
Section 14 (3) (a) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(a) immediately on enrollment if the practitioner is not enrolled under section 13 on receipt by the commission of the notice under subsection (2), or
Section 14 (8) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-550, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(8) If a practitioner makes an election under subsection (1), he or she must not submit a claim on his or her own behalf under section 27 (1) for services rendered to a beneficiary after the date the election becomes effective.
Section 15 (2) (a) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(a) cancel a practitioner's enrollment and order that the practitioner not apply under section 13 (1) for a period specified by the commission,
Section 15 (5) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(5) If the commission has cancelled the enrollment of a practitioner under subsection (2), a beneficiary is not entitled to have payment made by the commission for any service rendered by that practitioner.
Section 15 (1) (d) BEFORE amended by 2003-95-2(part), effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Section 15 (1) (d) and (d.1) BEFORE amended by 2003-95-2(rem), effective April 1, 2019 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018 and as amended by BC Reg 46/2019).
(d) a determination by the commission that the practitioner has
(i) attempted to contravene section 14.1, 17, 18 [words not in force], 19 or 35,
(ii) contravened section 14.1, 17, 18 [words not in force], 19 or 35, or
(iii) authorized, assisted or allowed another person to contravene or attempt to contravene section 14.1, 17, 18 [words not in force], 19 or 35,
(d.1) contravention of section 25 of the Laboratory Services Act,
Section 15 (3) (c) BEFORE amended by 2019-8-6, effective January 1, 2020.
(c) that the practitioner has the right to a hearing, to be requested by the practitioner within 21 days from the date that the notice is delivered, and to appear in person or with legal counsel at the hearing, and
Section 15 (3) (d) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-549, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(d) that if the practitioner does not request a hearing or attend at the hearing, an order may be made in his or her absence.
Section 16.1 was enacted by 2003-95-3, effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Section 17 (1) BEFORE amended by 2003-95-4, effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
(1) Except as specified in this Act or the regulations or by the commission under this Act, a person must not charge a beneficiary
(b) for materials, consultations, procedures, use of an office, clinic or other place or for any other matters that relate to the rendering of a benefit.
Section 17 (1.1) and (1.2) were added by 2003-95-4, effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Section 18 (2) (b) BEFORE amended by 2002-75-54, effective May 14, 2004 (BC Reg 217/2004).
(b) a community care facility as defined in section 1 of the Community Care Facility Act.
Section 18 BEFORE re-enacted by 2003-95-5(part), effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
[Note: the re-enacted content was amended by 2003-95-15, effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).]
Limits on direct or extra billing by a medical practitioner
18 (1) If a medical practitioner who is not enrolled renders a service to a beneficiary and the service would be a benefit if rendered by an enrolled medical practitioner, a person must not charge the beneficiary for, or in relation to, the service an amount that, in total, is greater than
(a) the amount that would be payable under this Act, by the commission, for the service if rendered by an enrolled medical practitioner, or
(b) if a payment schedule or regulation permits or requires an additional charge by an enrolled medical practitioner, the total of the amount referred to in paragraph (a) and the additional charge.
(2) Subsection (1) applies only to a service rendered in
(a) a hospital as defined in section 1 of the Hospital Act, or
(b) a community care facility as defined in section 1 of the Community Care and Assisted Living Act.
(3) If a medical practitioner described in section 17 (2) (c) renders a benefit to a beneficiary, a person must not charge the beneficiary for, or in relation to, the service an amount that, in total, is greater than
(a) the amount that would be payable under this Act, by the commission, for the service, or
(b) if a payment schedule or regulation permits or requires an additional charge, the total of the amount referred to in paragraph (a) and the additional charge.
Section 19 BEFORE re-enacted by 2003-95-6(part), effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Notice requirement
19 (1) Before a beneficiary is rendered a service that would be a benefit if rendered by a practitioner, the person who intends to require the beneficiary to pay all or a portion of the costs of the service must advise the beneficiary, in a manner the beneficiary can understand, of the following:
(a) that the person proposes to collect the amount directly from the beneficiary;
(b) how much the person will charge for the service;
(c) how much, if anything, the person reasonably expects that the commission will reimburse the beneficiary for the rendering of the service.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the medical condition or incapacity of the beneficiary makes compliance with that subsection impractical but, if the service would be a benefit if rendered by a practitioner, the beneficiary must not be charged for the service an amount that, in total, is greater than
(a) the amount that would be payable under this Act, by the commission, for the service, or
(b) if a payment schedule or regulation permits or requires an additional charge, the total of the amount referred to in paragraph (a) and the additional charge.
(3) If a beneficiary is not advised, as required by subsection (1), the beneficiary is not liable to pay for the service unless the service was rendered in an emergency situation that made it impractical to comply with that subsection.
Section 20 BEFORE re-enacted by 2003-95-6(part), effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Refunds required
20 (1) If a beneficiary pays for a service described in section 18, the person who charged for, or in relation to, the service must refund to the beneficiary any amount paid for the service that is in excess of the amount allowed for that service by section 18.
(2) If a beneficiary pays for a service but was not liable to pay for it because of section 19 (3), the person who charged for, or in relation to, the service must refund to the beneficiary the amount paid for the service.
Section 20.1 BEFORE repealed by 2003-95-7, effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Persons acting for beneficiaries
20.1 (1) A person requesting a benefit for a beneficiary must not be charged for the benefit in place of the beneficiary if this Part requires that the beneficiary not be charged for the benefit.
(2) A person requesting a benefit for a beneficiary must receive advice concerning a requirement to pay for the benefit if this Part requires that the beneficiary receive advice concerning the requirement to pay for the benefit.
Section 21 BEFORE renumbered as section 21 (1) by 2003-95-8, effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Section 21 (2) and (3) were added by 2003-95-8, effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Section 27 (1) BEFORE amended by 2007-14-202,Sch, effective December 1, 2007 (BC Reg 354/2007).
(1) A practitioner who renders a benefit to a beneficiary must, for the purpose of assessing or reassessing the claim for payment, provide particulars of services and accounts to the commission that are required by this Act and the regulations in the manner the commission specifies.
Section 28 BEFORE amended by 2014-8-100, effective December 22, 2014 (BC Reg 254/2014).
Non-resident benefits
28 A person who is not a resident of British Columbia and who provides evidence to a practitioner that he or she is enrolled under an Act, plan or scheme in another province of Canada in respect of which British Columbia has made reciprocal agreements related to the provision of medical or health care services is, subject to the agreements, entitled to receive benefits under this Act, and this Act applies in respect of those benefits as though the person were a beneficiary under this Act.
Section 28 BEFORE amended by 2023-10-552, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
Non-resident benefits
28 A person who is not a resident of British Columbia and who provides evidence to a practitioner that he or she is enrolled under an Act, plan or scheme in another jurisdiction of Canada with which British Columbia has made reciprocal agreements related to the provision of medical or health care services is, subject to the agreements, entitled to receive benefits under this Act, and this Act applies in respect of those benefits as though the person were a beneficiary under this Act.
Section 29 (5) BEFORE amended by 2014-8-101, effective December 22, 2014 (BC Reg 254/2014).
(5) If the government has made an agreement with the government of another province that provides for arrangements to pay for medically required services rendered in that other province, the agreement applies.
Section 30 (3) BEFORE amended by 2002-16-10, effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 180/2002).
(3) An amount that must be paid to the commission under this section or section 37 (1) (d) may be recovered as a debt owing to the commission, or the commission may deduct it from other money owed by the commission to the person.
Section 30 (1) BEFORE amended by 2014-8-102, effective December 22, 2014 (BC Reg 254/2014).
(1) If the commission has paid an amount
(a) for a service rendered to a person who is not a beneficiary,
(b) for a service that was not a benefit, or
the person who was paid must repay the amount to the commission.
Section 32 BEFORE repealed by 2019-8-2, effective January 1, 2020.
Obligation to remit
32 (1) If a person makes an agreement
(a) to pay all or part of another person's premiums, or
(b) to collect premiums from another person for remission to the commission,
that person must pay the premiums to the commission in the manner and at the times specified by the commission.
(1.1) If the payment of another person's premiums referred to in subsection (1) (a) is in arrears, including arrears arising before the making of an agreement referred to in subsection (1) respecting the other person, the person making the agreement, if requested by the commission, must collect and remit the arrears, including applicable interest on these arrears, by payment to the commission as specified by the commission under subsection (1).
(2) Subject to subsection (3), premiums collected under an agreement referred to in subsection (1) and arrears collected under subsection (1.1) constitute a lien in favour of the commission or its assignee payable in priority over all liens, charges or mortgages of any person, whenever created or to be created, with respect to property or proceeds of property, real, personal or mixed of the person who collected the premiums.
(3) Subsection (2) applies despite any other enactment but a lien under section 52 of the Workers Compensation Act, or a lien for wages due to workers by their employer other than a lien postponed to a mortgage or debenture by section 87 (5) of the Employment Standards Act, is payable in priority over a lien constituted under subsection (2) of this section.
(4) Without limiting subsection (2), the commission may enforce its lien under subsection (2) by proceedings under the Court Order Enforcement Act.
(5) If a person is convicted under section 46 (3), the court
(a) must determine the amount of the premiums the person failed to pay or to collect and remit,
(b) may assess a penalty, of not greater than 10 times the amount that was not paid or collected and remitted, and
(c) must make an order requiring that person to pay to the commission the total amount determined under paragraphs (a) and (b), plus interest at a prescribed rate.
(6) Every director or officer of a corporation who concurs in a failure to remit the premiums required to be paid or collected and remitted by the corporation is liable, jointly and separately, with every other director and officer of the corporation, to make a payment ordered to be made under subsection (5).
Section 33 (5) (c) BEFORE amended by 2019-8-6, effective January 1, 2020.
(c) that the owner of the diagnostic facility has the right to a hearing, to be requested by the owner of the diagnostic facility within 21 days from the date that the notice is received, and to appear in person or with legal counsel at the hearing, and
Section 33 (5) (d) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-553, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(d) that if the owner of the diagnostic facility does not request a hearing or attend at the hearing, an order may be made in his or her absence.
Section 34 (1) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-554(a), effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(1) A practitioner must not knowingly refer a beneficiary to a diagnostic facility that is not approved under this Part unless he or she first notifies the beneficiary that services performed in the diagnostic facility are not benefits in respect of which payment will be made under this Act.
Section 34 (2) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-554(b), effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(2) If a beneficiary is referred by a practitioner to a diagnostic facility that is not approved under this Part, the beneficiary is not liable for payment of services performed in the diagnostic facility unless, before the services are provided, he or she agrees to pay for them.
Section 35 (1) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-555, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(1) A practitioner must not refer beneficiaries to an approved diagnostic facility in which he or she has a financial or other interest, without the prior written approval of the commission.
Section 36 (3) BEFORE amended by 2002-16-11, effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 179/2002).
(3) Medical records may only be requested or inspected under this section or section 27 (6) or 40 by an inspector who is a medical practitioner.
Section 36 (1) definition of "practitioner" BEFORE amended by 2003-95-10(a), effective December 1, 2006 (BC Reg 306/2006).
"practitioner" includes a former practitioner;
Section 36 (2) BEFORE amended by 2003-95-10(b), effective December 1, 2006 (BC Reg 306/2006).
(2) The commission may appoint inspectors to audit claims for payment by practitioners and the patterns of practice or billing followed by practitioners under this Act.
Section 36 (4) BEFORE amended by 2003-95-10(c), effective December 1, 2006 (BC Reg 306/2006).
(4) An audit under subsection (2) may be made in respect of claims and patterns of practice or billing followed by practitioners before this Act came into force.
Section 36 (5) (a) BEFORE amended by 2003-95-10(e), effective December 1, 2006 (BC Reg 306/2006).
(a) records of a practitioner, and
Section 36 (1) definition "prescribed agency" BEFORE amended by 2009-22-98, effective October 29, 2009 (Royal Assent).
"prescribed agency" means a body that is prescribed for the purposes of this Part.
Section 36 (6) BEFORE amended by 2012-22-97, effective May 31, 2012 (Royal Assent).
(6) The power to enter a place under subsection (5) or (12) must not be used to enter a dwelling house occupied as a residence without the consent of the occupier except under the authority of a warrant under subsection (7).
Section 36 (3) BEFORE amended by 2014-8-103, effective December 22, 2014 (BC Reg 254/2014).
(3) Medical records may only be requested or inspected under this section or section 40 by an inspector who is a medical practitioner.
Section 36 (8) (c) BEFORE amended by 2014-8-103, effective December 22, 2014 (BC Reg 254/2014).
(c) answer all questions of the inspector respecting the records referred to in subsection (5) or (12).
Section 36 (12) BEFORE repealed by 2019-8-2, effective January 1, 2020.
(12) An inspector may, at any reasonable time and for the purposes of the audit, enter any premises and inspect the payroll, financial and membership records of an employer or an association responsible for collecting and remitting premiums under this Act.
Section 36 (6), (7) and (8) BEFORE amended by 2019-8-7, effective January 1, 2020.
(6) The power to enter a place under subsection (5) or (12) must not be used to enter a private dwelling without the consent of the occupier except under the authority of a warrant under subsection (7).
(7) On being satisfied on evidence on oath or affirmation that there are in a place records or other things for which there are reasonable grounds to believe that they are relevant to the matters referred to in subsection (5) or (12), a justice may issue a warrant authorizing an inspector named in the warrant to enter the place in accordance with the warrant in order to exercise the powers referred to in subsection (5) or (12).
(8) A person must, on the request of an inspector,
(a) produce and permit inspection of the records referred to in subsection (5) or (12),
(b) supply copies of or extracts from the records at the expense of the commission, and
(c) answer all questions of the inspector respecting any matter relating to the records, or to the audit generally.
Section 37 (1.1), (1.2), (1.3), (1.4), (1.5) and (1.6) were added by 2002-16-12, effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 180/2002).
Section 37 (6) BEFORE amended by 2012-22-98, effective May 31, 2012 (Royal Assent).
(6) In making an order under subsection (1), the commission may consider any relevant source of information, including a source created on a statistical basis or by a comparison between benefits provided by the practitioner or diagnostic facility and corresponding benefits provided by other practitioners or diagnostic facilities but it is not necessary for the commission to consider any particular benefit that the practitioner or owner of the diagnostic facility provided.
Section 37 (2) (c) BEFORE amended by 2019-8-6, effective January 1, 2020.
(c) that the practitioner, owner of a diagnostic facility or representative of a professional corporation has the right to a hearing, to be requested by the practitioner, owner of a diagnostic facility or representative of a professional corporation within 21 days from the date that the notice is delivered, and to appear in person or with legal counsel at the hearing, and
Section 37 (2) (d) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-556, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(d) that, if the practitioner does not request a hearing or attend at the hearing, an order may be made in his or her absence.
Section 38 BEFORE amended by 2002-16-13, effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 180/2002).
Settlement of claims ascertained under section 37 (1) (d)
38 If the commission believes it to be in the public interest to accept less than 100% payment in settlement of money required to be paid by a practitioner, owner of the diagnostic facility or representative of the professional corporation under section 37 (1) (d), the commission may accept the greater of
(a) the percentage of the money required to be paid under section 37 (1) (d) that the commission considers appropriate in settlement, and
(b) the percentage of the money required to be paid under section 37 (1) (d) that Treasury Board sets for the purposes of settlement under this section, if Treasury Board sets this percentage.
Section 39 (1) BEFORE amended by 2002-16-14, effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 180/2002).
(1) The chair may file an order made under section 37 (1) in the Supreme Court.
Part 8, heading BEFORE re-enacted by 2004-67-15(a), effective January 30, 2004 [retro from October 21, 2004 (Royal Assent)].
Section 41 (6) BEFORE amended by 2002-16-15, effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 179/2002).
(6) The chair may appoint a panel, consisting of 3 members of the board, to hear any matter before the board, and, if a panel has been appointed,
Section 41 BEFORE repealed by 2003-96-47, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
Medical and Health Care Services Appeal Board
41 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council must, after consultation with the appropriate licensing bodies, establish a Medical and Health Care Services Appeal Board consisting of a chair and 2 or more other members whom the Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint.
(2) The chair must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia.
(3) The chair and other members of the board must be appointed for a term set by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and may be reappointed for further terms.
(4) The chair and members of the board must be paid reasonable travelling and other out of pocket expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties, and may be paid remuneration set by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for their services.
(5) The chair has and may exercise the administrative jurisdiction of the board on any matter within the administrative jurisdiction of the board.
(6) The chair may appoint a panel, consisting of 1 or 3 members of the board, to hear any matter before the board, and, if a panel has been appointed,
(a) the chair, or a member of the board who is a member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia specified by the chair, must preside, and
(b) the panel has the jurisdiction of the board with respect to matters that come before it.
Section 42 BEFORE repealed by 2003-96-47, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
Appeals — beneficiaries
42 (1) A beneficiary in respect of whom an order is made under section 11 (2), or a cancellation is made under section 7 (7), may appeal to the board within 30 days of the order or cancellation.
(2) On an appeal under subsection (1), the board may
(a) confirm, vary or rescind the order of the commission,
(b) make any order that the commission could have made under section 11 (2), or confirm or rescind a cancellation under section 7 (7), or
(c) make any other order or decision that the commission could have made that the board considers fair.
(3) Unless the board otherwise orders, an appeal under this section operates to stay the decision being appealed.
(4) The board may dismiss an appeal on its own motion, or on the motion of the commission, if
(a) the beneficiary that is appealing has been given notice by the board in writing specifying a date by which the hearing of the appeal must begin, and
(b) the hearing of the appeal does not begin on or before the date specified in the notice given under paragraph (a).
(5) A notice under subsection (4) is effective if the notice is
(a) given to the beneficiary that is appealing,
(b) delivered to the address of that beneficiary that is stated in the application for the appeal, or
(c) delivered to the last known address of that beneficiary.
Section 43 BEFORE repealed by 2003-96-47, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
Appeals — practitioners and diagnostic facilities
43 (1) A practitioner, an owner of a diagnostic facility or a representative of a professional corporation in respect of whom an order was made under section 15 (2) or 37 (1) may appeal the order to the Supreme Court not more than 30 days after the date of the order or cancellation.
(2) An appeal from a decision of the Supreme Court on appeal under subsection (1) lies to the Court of Appeal with leave of a justice of the Court of Appeal.
(3) An appeal under this section does not operate to stay the order appealed from unless the court to which the appeal is made otherwise orders.
Section 43 BEFORE re-enacted by 2004-67-15(b), effective January 30, 2004 [retro from October 21, 2004 (Royal Assent)].
Section 44 BEFORE repealed by 2003-96-47, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
Practice, procedure and costs
44 (1) The board may make rules governing practice and procedure for all appeals before the board.
(2) The rules may be different for appeals by beneficiaries and practitioners and in respect of diagnostic facilities.
(3) A copy of the rules must be made available on request to any person who appeals.
(4) The board has the same powers, protections and privileges that a commission has under sections 12, 15 and 16 of the Inquiry Act.
(5) The board may order that costs be paid
(a) by the commission to the person who appealed, or
(b) by the person who appealed, to the commission.
(6) If costs are awarded, the costs must consist of the fees, expenses and disbursements that were reasonably necessary and proper in connection with the conduct of the appeal, subject to any limitations that the board may order.
(7) If an order for costs is made, the costs must be reviewed before the registrar of the Supreme Court, and the registrar must consider the circumstances set out in section 71 (4) of the Legal Profession Act.
(8) The provisions of the Rules of Court respecting the review of costs apply to a review under subsection (7) as though the order for costs were made by a court.
Section 45 (2) (a) BEFORE amended by 2002-16-17, effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 179/2002).
(a) a patient visit charge under section 51 (2) (q) if the commission has given approval for the contract before or after the service was rendered,
Section 46 (5.1) and (5.2) were added by 2003-95-12(part), effective October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 178/2018, repealing BC Reg 65/2018).
Section 46 (3) BEFORE repealed by 2019-8-2, effective January 1, 2020.
(3) A person who fails to pay or to collect and remit premiums in accordance with an agreement referred to in section 32 (1) commits an offence.
Section 46 (2) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-557(a), effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(2) A person who knowingly obtains or attempts to obtain payment for a benefit to which he or she is not entitled commits an offence.
Section 46 (4) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-557(b), effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(4) A person who obstructs an inspector in the lawful performance of his or her duties under this Act commits an offence.
Section 47.1 was enacted by 2011-13-115, effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 48 (1) (part) BEFORE amended by 2003-96-48, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
may be brought against a member of the commission, a member of a special committee, a member of the board, an inspector appointed under Part 7, a member of an advisory committee or any employee or other person who is subject to the commission's direction or to whom a power has been delegated under this Act.
Section 48 (1) BEFORE amended by 2007-14-215,Sch, effective December 1, 2007 (BC Reg 354/2007).
(1) No action for damages because of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith under this Act or the regulations,
Section 48 (4) was added by 2011-13-116, effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 49 BEFORE amended by 2003-96-49, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
49 Each member or former member of the commission or the board, each employee or former employee of the ministry employed in the administration of this Act, each inspector or former inspector appointed under this Act, every member or former member of an advisory committee and any other person engaged or previously engaged in the administration of this Act must keep confidential matters that identify an individual beneficiary or practitioner that come to his or her knowledge in the course of their employment or duties, and must not communicate any of those matters except
Section 49 (d) BEFORE amended by 2004-64-21, effective October 21, 2004 (Royal Assent).
(d) in accordance with section 35 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Section 49 BEFORE re-enacted by 2003-334-11, effective March 2, 2009 (BC Reg 41/2009).
Confidentiality
49 Each member or former member of the commission or former member of the Medical and Health Care Services Appeal Board, each employee or former employee of the ministry employed in the administration of this Act, each inspector or former inspector appointed under this Act, every member or former member of an advisory committee and any other person engaged or previously engaged in the administration of this Act must keep confidential matters that identify an individual beneficiary or practitioner that come to his or her knowledge in the course of their employment or duties, and must not communicate any of those matters except
(a) in the course of the administration of this Act or another Act or program administered by the minister,
(b) in court proceedings,
(c) to a regulatory body that has authorized a practitioner or diagnostic facility to render services, or
(d) in accordance with section 33.2 (k) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Section 49 (2) (b) (ii) BEFORE amended by 2019-8-8, effective January 1, 2020.
(ii) provides information to the commission that leads to an audit or inspection under section 36, or to a determination that no audit or inspection is required under that section, or
Section 49 (2) (part) BEFORE amended by 2023-10-558, effective March 30, 2023 (Royal Assent).
(2) A person engaged in the administration of this Act must keep confidential matters respecting an individual beneficiary or practitioner that come to his or her knowledge in the course of his or her employment or duties, and must not communicate any of those matters except as follows:
Section 50 (2) BEFORE amended by 2003-96-50, effective January 31, 2004 (BC Reg 28/2004).
(2) If a document is deposited at the office of the commission or the board during normal business hours, the document is deemed to have been personally delivered to the commission or the board.
Section 50 (1) BEFORE amended by 2007-14-204,Sch and 2007-14-217,Sch, effective December 1, 2007 (BC Reg 354/2007).
(1) Unless otherwise provided by this Act or the regulations, a document or notice required to be given to a person under this Act or under the regulations must be given by delivering it to that person or to the last known address of that person.
Section 51 (2) (h.1) BEFORE amended by 2002-16-17(a), effective July 5, 2002 (BC Reg 179/2002).
(h.1) prescribing bodies for the purposes the definition of prescribed agencies in Part 7;
Section 5 1(2) (c.01), (c.02), (e.1), and (r) were added by 2011-13-117(a), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 51 (2) (c.1) and (c.2) BEFORE amended by 2011-13-117(b) and (c), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
(c.1) prescribing the period for the purposes of section 7.1;
(c.2) establishing the manner and time for the making of payments of premiums;
Section 51 (3) was added by 2011-13-117(d), effective February 10, 2013 (BC Reg 223/2012 as amended by BC Reg 342/2012).
Section 51 (2) (c.01) (i) and (iii) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(i) respecting applications for, or renewal of, enrollment as a beneficiary,
(iii) making different requirements in relation to applications for, or renewal of, enrollment as a beneficiary,
Section 51 (2) (e.1) BEFORE amended by 2016-5-41,Sch 3, effective March 10, 2016 (Royal Assent).
(e.1) respecting verification of the identity and enrollment of a person requesting benefits;
Section 51 (2) (c.2) to (d) BEFORE repealed by 2019-8-2, effective January 1, 2020.
(c.2) for the purposes of section 8,
(i) establishing different categories of persons who, under section 7.2 (5), must pay premiums,
(ii) respecting premiums for family units and dependents, and defining family units and dependents, and
(iii) establishing the manner and time for the making of payments of premiums;
(c.3) prescribing the rate for the purposes of section 8.1;
(c.4) prescribing the form of certificate under section 8.2;
(d) establishing a program of premium assistance to beneficiaries or any designated categories of beneficiaries, including prescribing conditions of eligibility, suspension and termination of eligibility;
Supplement BEFORE repealed by 2006-33-1(2) (g), effective May 18, 2006 (Royal Assent).
[Supplement]
Medicare Protection Act
[RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 286
1 Section 18 (2) of the Medicare Protection Act is amended by striking out "or" after paragraph (a), adding ", or" after paragraph (b) and adding the following paragraph:
(c) other circumstances specified by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
1995-52-8 (part).