Who makes major medical decisions?

It depends on the allocation of guardianship, parental authority, or decision-making responsibility in the law and any agreement or order.

Can both parents access records?

Often both remain entitled to important information, but access can be limited by law or court order. Give providers the current documents.

What happens in an emergency?

The parent caring for the child should obtain necessary emergency care and notify the other decision-maker as soon as safely possible, subject to the order.

How should medication move between homes?

Use labelled supplies, a written dose log, refill responsibility, and immediate notice of missed doses or side effects.

British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia Medical Decisions: A Parent's Guide

British Columbia rules and planning guidance for medical decisions, records, appointments, emergencies, and parental responsibilities.

Legal sources reviewed: August 12, 2026

On this page

In short: The authority to make major health decisions depends on guardianship, parental authority, decision-making responsibility, and the wording of any agreement or order. Day-to-day care during parenting time is not always the same as authority over major treatment.

This guide is educational, not legal advice. The governing law, current order, safety concerns, and facts of the family can change the correct next step.

The British Columbia framework

British Columbia's Family Law Act distinguishes guardianship from parenthood. Guardians exercise parental responsibilities and have parenting time; a non-guardian may have contact. Every arrangement must be based only on the child's best interests, including safety and the impact of family violence.

Parents may record an agreement or ask the Provincial Court or Supreme Court of British Columbia for orders. The correct route depends on the orders requested and the case already underway. Family Justice Centres and Justice Access Centres can provide information and dispute-resolution support.

What to put into practice

A workable health protocol identifies providers, insurance information, consent responsibilities, medication handoffs, appointment notice, records access, and emergency communication. It should distinguish routine care from major or disputed treatment.

Use precise dates, places, notice methods, and responsibility for costs. Avoid terms such as “reasonable” when parents do not already agree on what reasonable means. The parenting plan builder can organise clauses, and the custody schedule generator can test a calendar. These tools do not create a British Columbia agreement or court order.

When agreement is difficult

Separate the issues that need an immediate answer from those that can be reviewed later. A narrow temporary arrangement may protect stability while parents obtain disclosure, legal advice, mediation, or a court date. Where family violence, coercive control, abduction risk, or urgent harm is alleged, ordinary negotiation may be unsafe and urgent legal advice is appropriate.

Keep proposals child-focused and practical. Explain how the requested result affects school, care, relationships, transport, health, and predictable routines. Courts decide under the applicable best-interests framework, not by rewarding the parent who communicates most aggressively.

Official British Columbia resources

FAQ

Questions, answered

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Family law varies by individual circumstances and may change over time. Consult a qualified attorney or appropriate official resource for advice about your situation.