Philippine Asian News Today Vol 20 No 21 | Page 5

November 1 - 15, 2018 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY HEADLINES  Surrey Crime Prevention Society joins Ridesharing Now for BC The Ridesharing Now for BC coalition is pleased to announce that the Surrey Crime Prevention Society is joining the effort to bring ridesharing to BC as soon as possible. “The Ridesharing Now Coalition continues to grow because all across the province, British Columbians are demanding the same transportation options that are available in other provinces” said Ian Tostenson, CEO of the BC Restaurants Association and spokesperson for Ridesharing Now for BC. A poll completed by Abacus research found 90% of respondents South of the Fraser River either strongly support, support, or can accept ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft operating in BC. “Surrey Crime Prevention Society is adding its voice to those calling for immediate implementation of ridesharing to improve safety in our communities,” said Karen Sidhu, Executive Director of the Society. “Impaired driving is a scourge in our communities and too often people from Surrey are refused a ride when they are trying to get home. It is time for services like Uber and Lyft to come to Surrey.” ICBC Announcement Increases Access to Physiotherapy in BC The provincial government and ICBC have announced new regulations for the treatment of people injured in motor vehicle accidents. These changes create a care-based car insurance system in B.C. that will provide increased care. New regulations, coming into effect April 1 2019, will increase ICBC accident benefits for anyone injured in a crash regardless of fault. Customers will also have access to an expanded list of treatment providers, and updated treatment fees starting April 1, 2019. These changes will mean that all ICBC customers will have: • Increased access to physiotherapy with 25 pre-authorized treatments, and more if approved • An initial assessment visit and report • Standard treatment fees will be paid by ICBC directly to physiotherapists. “Working together with ICBC, we see this announcement as positive news for people injured in a motor vehicle accident, as they will have access to enhanced physiotherapy coverage. This is also excellent news for physiotherapists that treat ICBC patients as it allows for early intervention and increased treatment time for patients.” Christine Bradstock, CEO, PABC. The regulations include updated treatment fees and types of treatments covered by ICBC, effective April 1, 2019, for both new and existing claims. They also define a minor injury as it relates to payouts for pain and suffering, building on the legislated definition. Treatment protocol guidelines for examination, assessment, diagnosis and treatment WWW.PHILIPPINEASIANNEWSTODAY.COM of minor injuries to provide more consistent care for people injured in a crash are also included in these changes. Physiotherapists are musculoskeletal experts who are well positioned to treat people injured in a motor vehicle accident. With this announcement by the B.C. government regarding changes to ICBC, the goal of PABC continues to focus on providing evidence-based care for patients. (communications@bcphysio. org)