CAOT-BC
had the opportunity to state its support for the government’s intent to improve
access to care for British Columbians injured in a motor vehicle accident at a
press conference held Wednesday March 4th
with the Attorney General, David Eby, and Justina Loh from Disability
Alliance of BC.
CAOT-BC
Managing Director Tanya Fawkes-Kirby shared the association position of support
for the government’s vision of providing better care and recovery benefits for
individuals whose lives are impacted by injuries from motor vehicle
accidents.
CAOT-BC
is a regional chapter of the Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists. They have been working
closely with ICBC to articulate the challenges that clients have faced when
seeking needed care and there is renewed optimism that the concerns of health
professionals and client advocates have been heard. CAOT-BC has not commented on all aspects of
the government’s plan, acknowledging that while there is much common ground regarding
health benefits for clients, there is not consensus in the occupational therapy
community on some of the legal and administrative aspects of the proposed
changes.
Going
forward, CAOT-BC is working with ICBC to clarify how best practice assessment
and treatment services will be provided, and how funding approval will be
managed. Ongoing consultation will allow for continued collaboration with ICBC,
the Attorney General, health care professionals and patient advocacy groups to
inform best practices in rehabilitation care.
OTs
provide unique services that help BC residents return to the activities that
are important to their everyday lives, as soon as possible. The provision of increased care benefits to
help injured individuals access the services they require is central to the
mission of OTs.
Fawkes-Kirby
noted “CAOT-BC is pleased with the efforts of the Attorney General’s office to
listen to feedback from health care representatives regarding improved care,
and we look forward to contributing to the planning and implementation phases to
make this vision a reality. Occupational therapists remain truly committed to
helping British Columbians recover their lives and their independence in the
wake of a motor vehicle accident.”
CAOT-BC Managing Director was quoted in several news stories, including:
BC Government News Release: Legislation introduced to transform ICBC, deliver lower rates
Global News Story: B.C. government requiring ICBC to notify those injured in a crash of benefits under new system
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