Medical Assured Loading Policy Discussion

Council was considering a Medical Assured Loading (MAL) policy for Snug Cove.

What is Medical Assured Loading (MAL)?
MAL means priority vehicle loading on the ferry when certain criteria are met.

Why do we need a policy?
MAL is currently available on Bowen Island for eligible patients and health care professionals travelling from
Bowen Island to Horseshoe Bay, so why create a policy? We need a policy, approved by Council, that we can
refer to when needing guidance on how to adjudicate a MAL request.

Is this connected to BC Ferries MAL procedure?
BC Ferries’ MAL policy applies to all their terminals but is not administered by them for travel from Snug Cove; BIM’s MAL policy fills this service gap.

Who qualifies for MAL?

To be eligible, patients must be both:

1. Travelling to a critical or emergency medical appointment or be travelling due to a life-threatening illness,

AND

2. Experiencing undue or extreme discomfort and difficulty waiting extended periods in the ferry line.

MAL is not available for general doctor, dentist or specialist appointments, or scheduled surgery.

To be eligible, health care professionals must:

• carry documentation provided by their employer authorizing their use of BC Ferries MAL and display windshield placards provided by their employer OR
• be driving marked Lifelabs vehicles

How do I get MAL vehicle cards?
Patients must procure a MAL letter from their Medical Practitioner and bring it to BIM reception at least one business day in advance of travel. BIM will issue MAL vehicle cards to display at the front and back of vehicle.

Where do I park in the ferry lineup in Snug Cove?
MAL is in the designated cross-hatched area in the ferry line-up in front of the General Store for patients. Arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of the scheduled sailing’s departure.

What is a MAL letter?
A MAL letter is issued by your medical practitioner and must include the following:

• Letterhead of medical office/hospital
• Date of issue
• Medical practitioner’s signature
• Patient’s name
• Statement that the individual requires priority loading as an extended wait at the Snug Cover ferry terminal could cause risk to their health
• An expiry date or period of time during which MAL is required

Read more about Medical Assured Loading.

Questions/Concerns?

Please contact Doug Woods, Bylaw Services, by email at dwoods@bimbc.ca or by calling 604-947-4255 ext 225.

How to have your say

There are several ways to comment:

• By mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
• By fax to 604-947-0193
• By email to Doug Woods at dwoods@bimbc.ca
• By joining our new online discussion

Comments will be received until 4:00 pm on February 29, 2024.

Timeline

July 24, 2023 – Council resolved (RES#23-254) to direct staff and the BIM Transportation Advisory Committee (BIMTAC) to review correspondence from a local business owner regarding assured loading and provide a recommendation to Council.

August 2, 2023 – BIMTAC considered the submission and were advised by staff that as the existing MAL program does not have an associated BIM Policy, writing one aligns with organizational practice.  BIMTAC recommended that Council direct staff to draft a policy regarding assured ferry loading from Snug Cove, including eligibility, procedures, and criteria, and particularly Medical Assured Loading (MAL), and engage relevant stakeholders in this process.

September 11, 2023 – Council considered BIMTAC’s recommendation and resolved (RES#23-282) to direct staff to draft a policy regarding assured ferry loading from Snug Cove, including eligibility, procedures, and criteria, and particularly Medical Assured Loading; and engage relevant stakeholders in this process.

While drafting the policy, staff consulted with relevant MAL stakeholders including BC Ferries, Vancouver Coastal Health, Lifelabs, and the Caring Circle.

January 22, 2024 – Council resolved (RES#24-43) to direct staff to seek public input and the input of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Transportation Advisory Committee on the draft Medical Assured Loading Policy 24-02 prior to consideration and adoption by Council.

Public feedback will be collected until February 29, 2024, and Council will reconsider the policy at a March 2024 Council meeting.

Reference documents

January 22, 2024 Staff report to Council and Policy

This Discussion is now closed.