P2A Claims Update: July 2026
Since our April update, the parties – the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) and the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) – have been meeting weekly as part of the process to attempt to reach mutual agreement regarding P2A claims. During these meetings, both sides have been working to determine where issues can be resolved without the need for arbitration.
Your union’s classifications staff have continued to advocate for the specialized work performed by HSA members, including by gathering evidence from members (along with other sources). Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond to their inquiries.
At this point in the process, the P2A claims can be described as falling into two broad categories.
Category 1: The parties have thoroughly discussed but not reached agreement on a number of procedures/techniques. These are now in the initial stage of the legal process on a track to possible mediation and/or arbitration:
Audiologist
- Auditory Brainstem Response
- Cerumen Assessment and Management
- Cochlear Implant Management
- Hearing Instrument Dispensing for Children ages 12 – 16
- Vestibular Assessment and Management
Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Pediatric Echocardiography
Dietitian
- Certified Diabetes Education
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) Nutrition Theory
- Indirect Calorimetry
- Insulin Dose Adjustment
- Parenteral Nutrition
- Renal Nutrition/Kidney Care
Occupational therapist
- Driver Rehabilitation
- Low Vision Rehabilitation
- Videofluroscopic Assessment of Swallowing Disorders – Paediatrics
Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Oncology Clinical Pharmacist
Respiratory therapist
- Patient/Client Respiratory Educator
Speech language pathologist
- Communication and Swallowing Management for Tracheostomy – Adults
- Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Voice and Swallowing (FEEVS) – Adults
- Management of Airway Secretions (Oropharyngeal Suctioning)
- Management of Airway Secretions (Oropharyngeal and Tracheal Suctioning)
- Tracheo-esophageal Voice Prostheses Assessment and Management
- Videofluroscopic Assessment of Swallowing Disorders – Adults
- Videofluroscopic Assessment of Swallowing Disorders – Paediatrics
Category 2: The following issues remain under discussion between HSPBA and HEABC. While we cannot predict the future, it is possible that we will be able to reach agreement to add some of these procedures/techniques to the P2A profile without the need for arbitration:
Nuclear medicine technologist
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Radiation Safety Officer
Occupational therapist
- Certified Hand Therapist
Physiotherapist
- Arthritis Surgical Triage/Assessment
- Certified Hand Therapist
- Rapid Access Spine Triage/Assessment
Radiological technologist
- Screening Mammography
Social worker
- Registered Clinical Social Worker
Lastly, the parties have agreed to pause discussions regarding one issue given that the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC is currently in the process of developing its certification requirements for the procedure/technique:
Dietitian
- Insertion of Nasogastric or Nasojejunal Feeding Tubes
Next steps
The parties will continue to meet through the summer in an effort to resolve as many of the P2A claims as possible.
Earlier this year the HSPBA and HEABC agreed to appoint an experienced arbitrator to act as a case manager who will assist with moving the process forward. The next scheduled case management meeting is set for September 23, 2026 to review progress to date and determine next steps in the mediation and/or adjudication of the P2A claims.
Where can I learn more?
There are many resources available on the HSA website, including:
- General information on the new profile-based classification system
- A list of Frequently Asked Questions
- A steward finder
- A plain language explanation of the Working Professional profiles
- The profile documents that are used to classify jobs