03/10/2026
There is currently a consultation underway with the BC Ministry of Health regarding proposed changes to the scope of practice for physiotherapists, including the authority to order certain diagnostic imaging.
Modernizing the scopes of practice to improve access to care is an important step for our healthcare system. However, it is equally important that these changes reflect the education and competencies of all musculoskeletal providers.
Doctors of Chiropractic complete approximately 4,200–4,500 hours of doctoral-level professional education, including over 300 hours of formal training in diagnostic imaging such as radiology, imaging physics, radiation safety, positioning, and interpretation. In comparison, physiotherapy programs typically include approximately 10–30 hours of imaging education, generally focused on imaging awareness rather than interpretation or ordering.
Chiropractors are primary-contact musculoskeletal practitioners, and determining when imaging is appropriate is a core part of our training and clinical role.
As the province considers expanding imaging authority within musculoskeletal care, it is reasonable to ask that chiropractic be considered alongside physiotherapy, so that policy decisions reflect demonstrated education and competency across professions.
If you are a patient, colleague, or healthcare professional who values timely access to appropriate musculoskeletal care, you may wish to share your perspective with the Ministry of Health.
Public input helps shape policy.
Submissions can be sent to:
PROREGADMIN@gov.bc.ca
Thoughtful and respectful feedback from the public and healthcare professionals can help ensure that scope modernization in BC reflects the full capabilities of the musculoskeletal healthcare workforce.
Better pathways. Less red tape. Faster access to care.
If you want to see this change happen, talk to your MLA. Find yours at
🔗 leg.bc.ca/members/mla-by-community