Get the latest updates from the BC Digital Referrals & Orders program, including project milestones, engagement opportunities, key announcements and resources for care teams and partners.
"The Province views the successful modernization of referrals and orders as foundational to a more integrated and efficient health system." – Cynthia Johansen, MSc, MA, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health, British Columbia.
Read the full letter of endorsement from the Ministry of Health here
The DRO program is exploring how to build on the complementary strengths of OceanMD and Pathways BC. The goal is to explore how to create a more seamless referral and order experience for patients and providers.
We’re inviting BC physicians, nurse practitioners, and MOAs who regularly send community referrals to share their experience and inform the design. Experience
in quality and process improvementand basic famliarity with Pathways or Ocean are greatly desired.
Attend three virtual group sessions. The total time commitment is approximately 4 - 5 hours. All participants will attend the opening and closing session. The working session will be offered by role.
If you are interested and available to participate in the below workshop sessions, please complete the Expression of Interest by September 9, 2026.
- Opening session (all participants): Thursday, Sept. 17 | 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
- Working Session: Specialists: Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Working Session: Family Practice Physicians: Wednesday., Sept. 23 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
- Working Session: MOAs: Thursday, Sept. 24 | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Working Session: Nurse Practitioners : Thursday, Sept. 24 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
- Closing Session (all participants): Tuesday, Sept. 29 | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Doctors of BC will compensate participating physicians who are active members at the current sessional rate. Physicians are encouraged to include their MOAs, who will also be compensated at the current sessional rate.
September 1, 2026 - Ministry of Health endorses Digital Referrals & Orders program
The Ministry of Health confirms the Digital Referrals and Orders (DRO) Program as a provincial priority, modernizing referrals, diagnostic orders, and special authority requests with digital tools that improve transparency, reduce administrative burden, and enhance patient care across British Columbia. This letter highlights the importance of collaboration across health system partners, including the complementary roles of Ocean and Pathways BC, as deployment activities resume."The Province views the successful modernization of referrals and orders as foundational to a more integrated and efficient health system." – Cynthia Johansen, MSc, MA, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health, British Columbia.
Read the full letter here.
July 28, 2026 - DRO reducing wait times in Langley-based surgical clinic
For clinic patients, the online referral form means less uncertainty, and a clearer path from referral to consultation or procedure.
Read the full story.
July 28, 2026 - Be in the know! Join a DRO learning session.
Ready to learn more about DRO? Join a learning session to explore how electronic referrals and orders will streamline processes, reduce paperwork and support better care coordination across BC. Register for sessions here.
