The PPN was introduced in 2007 to provide community clinics with secure internet connectivity at a time when reliable commercial services were limited. Today, secure commercial internet services are widely available across British Columbia, and the Ministry of Health has made the decision to retire the PPN.
Clinics currently connected to the PPN must transition to alternative internet and security providers before the decommissioning date.
May 6th, 2026 - Notification emails distributed to clinics
May 22nd, 2026 - Deadline for clinics to acknowledge notification
September 4th, 2026 - PPN service ends
The following PPN services will no longer be available:
Step 1: Review Your Current Setup
Identify:
- Internet dependencies
- Connected devices
- Site-to-Site workflows (if applicable)
- EMR integrations
- Security requirements
Step 2: Select New Service Providers
Clinics must arrange:
- Business-grade internet service provider (ISP)
- Firewall/security services
- IT support (if needed)
- Backup/redundancy options
Step 3: Transition Before September 4th, 2026
Complete your migration before service termination
Step 4: Notify PHSA
Once complete contact PPNUpdates@phsa.ca
Need support:
The information below applies to clinics with specific services, access requirements, or technical configurations that may be impacted by the PPN transition.
Important:
Physicians credentialed with a Health Authority may be able to continue accessing CareConnect and medical images through their Health Authority's remote access process following the decommissioning of the PPN.
Remote access processes vary by Health Authority. If you are unsure whether you already have remote access configured contact your:
- Health Authority Service Desk
- Health Authority Medical Affairs team
- Clinic or hospital administrator
They can help confirm:
- Whether remote access is already available to you
- How to access CareConnect remotely
- Whether additional setup is required
- Who to contact for technical support
Remote access processes vary by Health Authority and may change over time. If you are unsure how to access CareConnect remotely, contact your Health Authority Service Desk, Medical Affairs team, or clinic administrator for assistance.
Physicians credentialed with Fraser Health may be able to access CareConnect through Fraser Health's remote access environment. While CareConnect is not directly available through Fraser Health's remote access platform, users may be able to access CareConnect through a web browser while connected remotely.
Physicians credentialed with Interior Health are provided CareConnect access as part of the standard onboarding process. CareConnect can be accessed through Interior Health's Meditech environment and Application Portal, including through Interior Health's remote access solution. Physicians do not typically need to complete a separate signup process.
- Contact Interior Health support teams.
Physicians credentialed with Island Health are provided CareConnect access through existing onboarding and credentialing process. CareConnect may be accessed through Island Health systems, including remote access tools.
· Contact Island Health's existing support and credentialing processes.
Physicians credentialed with Northern Health are provided CareConnect access as part of onboarding. Remote users may be able to access CareConnect through Northern Health's virtual desktop tools and internal systems.
- Contact your administrative support teams or Northern Health support services.
Physicians credentialed with PHSA, Vancouver Coastal Health, or Providence Health Care may be able to access CareConnect through their organization's remote access systems. In many cases, remote access may already be established through onboarding.
- Contact your health authority Service Desk or follow your organization's existing access request process.
Clinics using Fraser Health's UCI will no longer be able to access UCI through the PPN.
- If you wish to continue accessing UCI from your private practice, you can access it remotely via go.fraserhealth.ca. If you don't already have access, please contact UCI@fraserhealth.ca to enrol.
- Alternatively, CareConnect provides a significant crossover of clinical data and is available over the Internet using your BC Services Card.
Examples impacted:
· Shared drives
· Remote desktop connections
· Printing between clinic locations
Work with your local IT provider to identify alternatives.
The resources are available to support your transition
· 
Transition Checklist.pdf
· Site-to-Site Checklist.pdf
Why is PPN being retired?
The PPN was introduced in 2007 when many clinics lacked access to a reliable, secure Internet connection. Today, secure commercial internet is widely available and used across the health system. As such, the Ministry of Health has decided to decommission the PPN.
Can I stay on PPN?
No. Your clinic must select and transition to a business-grade internet service provider of your choice
Who pays for internet costs going forward?
Clinics are responsible for implementing and funding their own internet and security services.
Will I still be able to access my EMR?
Yes. All EMR vendors are accessible through the internet without the need for the PPN. However, please contact your EMR vendor to see if there are any things you need to arrange during this transition to ensure a seamless transition.
Will I still have access to CareConnect?
Yes – please see details on this webpage.
The following resources may help your clinic prepare for the transition from the Private Physician Network (PPN) and support your ongoing privacy, security, and technology needs.
Includes information about resources available to clinics transitioning off the PPN, including their new Six Steps to Rebuild a Secure Clinic Foundation Toolkit that contains practical advice, checklists, and tools to help you rebuild a secure clinic foundation.
Access resource: Setting up Secure Networks
A practical guide to help clinics strengthen their IT security practices, including network security, device management, password protocols, and risk mitigation strategies.
Download guide: Physician Office IT Security Guide
Resources from Doctors of BC to help private practice clinics better understand and meet their obligations under British Columbia's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
Access resource: Privacy Toolkit
Email: PPNUpdates@phsa.ca
Phone: 604-237-0330
