Requisitions

PLMS is responsible for overseeing and managing requisitions on behalf of the Ministry of Health.

Under the Laboratory Services Act and the Laboratory Services Regulation, laboratory operators may only provide ordering practitioners with requisitions that are approved by the Minister of Health. PLMS is responsible for reviewing requisitions and submitting them for approval.

Laboratory requisitions must provide the necessary information to ensure quality test results, facilitate timely patient care and ensure correct benefit coverage. Requisitions must meet clinical record-keeping requirements, reference clinical guidelines where applicable, meet accreditation requirements, and adhere to design, formatting and terminology standards.

New requisitions

Operators must complete the application form for new requisitions and submit it along with a copy of the requisition. PLMS works with lab operators to offer advice on requisition design.

Supporting documents

Application Form - New Requisition (PDF)

Submit forms and requisitions via email to requisitions@phsa.ca

Existing Requisitions

Operators must complete the application form to amend an existing requisition and submit it along with a copy of the requisition. Laboratory Services is available to offer advice on requisition design.

Supporting documents

Application Form - Request to Amend an Approved Requisition (PDF)

Please submit forms and requisitions via email at requisitions@phsa.ca

Standard Outpatient Laboratory Requisitions

The Ministry of Health maintains three standard outpatient laboratory requisitions. Laboratory operators may publish their own branded versions of these requisitions.

Stakeholders can make requests for changes to the standard requisitions by completing and submitting a change request application.

We will review and adjudicate requests against the established criteria and advise applicants of the outcome. We will incorporate approved requests during the next revision cycle.

Supporting documents

Please submit forms and requisitions via email at requisitions@phsa.ca

Provincial Anatomical Pathology Consultation Requisition

The Provincial Anatomical Pathology Advisory Comittee, in collaboration with the Anatomical Pathology Services of the Health Authorities, has introduced a standardized provincial requisition for requesting pathology consultation services across BC.

Please replace your previous pathology requisitions with the current updated requisition form.

Clinicians may request changes to the standard requisition by completing and submitting a change request application form. The Advisory Comittee, along with the Anatomical Pathology Services of the Health Authorities, will review and evaluate these requests against the established criteria and notify applicants of the outcome. Approved changes will be incorporated during the next revision cycle.

Please submit change request forms via email to requisitions@phsa.ca

Supporting documents

Provincial Standing Order Policy

Effective January 1, 2025, the Minister of Health approved an amendment to the Provincial Standing Order Policy introduced January 2024. The amendment extends the maximum period for any standing order from twelve (12) months to twenty-four (24) months. (Laboratory Services Act Record of Decision, LSA2025-001).

A comprehensive review of the policy is in progress and expected to be completed by Spring of 2025.

Supporting documents

Provincial Standing Order Policy (PDF)
Standing Order Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)