B.C. doctors could face penalty for veering from COVID-19 health guidelines: College

Doctors in British Columbia are being warned they could face investigation or penalties from their regulatory body if they contradict public health orders or guidance about COVID-19.

The warning is contained in a joint statement from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. and the First Nations Health Authority.

The statement says the college and authority have become aware that some B.C. physicians oppose vaccines and are spreading ``misinformation'' about mask wearing, physical distancing and lockdowns.

There's also concern that certain doctors are promoting COVID-19 treatments ``not supported by widely accepted scientific evidence.''

Dr. Heidi Oetter, registrar and CEO of the college, says the misinformation breaches public trust and is contrary to a doctor's ethical obligations.

She says doctors who veer from accepted COVID-19 health orders and guidelines could face an investigation or regulatory action, if the college considers it warranted.