Health Science Professionals

Members are advised that Pacific Blue Cross will suspend its pay direct and online claim services for one week to allow for a major transition to an upgraded health and dental system. The services will be suspended from March 27 to April 3, 2014. The Pay Direct Drug Card will not be able to be processed at pharmacies from March...

Bill 7, the Laboratory Services Act was introduced in the BC Legislature by the Liberal government on February 17, 2014, and is currently at the stage of first reading. The proposed legislation makes significant changes in several areas, including the legislative framework, governance and funding models for medical laboratory services. A general overview of these changes is available here on...

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2014 HSA members are increasingly looking to get their information in a digital format. Whether it's email, web sites or social media, members are using desktop computers, tablets and smartphones to keep informed. HSA is changing to meet these new needs, and starting with this issue all members will receive a digital edition of The Report by...

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2014 Several HSA members are working with their professional associations to encourage the provincial government to regulate their professions under the Health Professions Act, and to create a joint regulatory college to oversee the practice of these health science professions. Approximately 6,000 HSA members would be regulated by this joint college. This initiative is supported by the...

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2014 BY JEANNE MEYERS, LABOUR RELATIONS AND LEGAL SERVICES As many members know, the process of transitioning to a 37.5 hour work week has been frustrating. From the beginning, employers have misunderstood and misinterpreted the terms of the negotiated agreement. They have attempted to reduce hours of work, eliminate earned days off and even layoff members. None...

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2014 BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT, HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION Negotiating contracts is a big part of what unions do for their members. But it's not the only thing. Yet for the last several years, HSA and other unions have expended the bulk of their resources and time negotiating contracts with governments intent on imposing austerity terms on public...

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2014 BY DENNIS BLATCHFORD Q: Now that the collective agreement has been ratified, how will HSA go about moving to a joint governance model for delivering health and welfare benefits? And what does it mean in the short-term? A: Allow me to answer the second question first. It means no change to your health and welfare benefit...

Under the 2014-2019 collective agreement recently ratified by health science professionals, improvements in drug coverage are now in effect. Every member covered by the Health Science Professionals contract should be receiving a letter outlining the changes from Pacific Blue Cross in the coming days. A sample letter is attached here. The plan now covers 100% of eligible expenses for drugs...

With more than 1,500 grievances filed by health science professionals over the implementation of the 37.5 hour work week last year, three initial days of expedited hearings have now been scheduled to hear the grievances through a process negotiated and agreed to by HSPBA and HEABC. The grievances will be considered March 10, 11, and 12 in Vancouver, with two...

Health science professionals have voted 76 per cent in favour of accepting a new five-year contract. The agreement was reached in advance of the expiry of the current agreement, set to run out on March 31, 2014. "This agreement meets our shared objectives for stability in the health care system, and recognizes the importance of a commitment to recruitment and...