College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia 300–669 Howe Street Vancouver BC V6C 0B4 www.cpsbc.ca Telephone: 604-733-7758 Toll Free: 1-800-461-3008 (in BC) Fax: 604-733-3503 Serving the public through excellence and professionalism in medical practice BACKGROUNDER – January 10, 2017 November 16, 2016 – The College receives an email from a member of the public expressing concerns that an unlicensed person may be providing cosmetic medical services in the basement of a home located at 10519 Modesto Place in Delta. November 17, 2016 – A physician contacts the College with concerns that a 23-year-old patient had received an implant in her nose, which resulted in a persistent infection. It is determined that the procedure had been conducted at the same home identified by the member of the public the day before. November 29, 2016 – The College engages a private investigator to commence an undercover investigation, including surveillance, at the residence in question. December 13, 2016 – Another physician contacts the College with concerns regarding two patients who presented with complications after having blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery) in the same residence in Delta. December 15, 2016 – The Inquiry Committee of the College authorizes the College to apply to the BC Supreme Court for an order to enter the premises to seize and remove any record, property or assets in relation to the unauthorized practice of medicine. A court date is sought by the College. December 20, 2016 – The BC Supreme Court issues an order permitting the College to enter the premises of the individual’s business to conduct a search and to seize any items believed to be used in the unlicensed practice of medicine. The search is conducted that same day. The order temporarily restrains Ms. Li from providing any service that may be provided only by a registrant of the College, pending final resolution of the College’s case against her (interim injunction). December 21, 2016 – The College investigators begin to catalogue the items found, which include boxes and vials of injectable medication including Bocouture® (botulinum toxin type A) and lidocaine hydrochloride (local anesthetic), prescription medication (ofloxacin eye drops), syringes, needles, suture forceps, surgical clamps, surgical scissors, scalpel blades, surgical markers, and receipts for financial transactions ranging from $300 to $5,000. Investigators are unable to locate an autoclave. January 7, 2017 – The College provides to Fraser Health Authority a report disclosing evidence seized during the course of its investigation. January 9, 2017 – Fraser Health Authority recommends to the College that a public health warning be issued, urging such clients of Ms. Li to seek clinical advice from a registered physician or nurse practitioner, and possibly undergo testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. January 10, 2017 – the College issues a notification to the public and all BC physicians. Media inquiries: Communications and Public Affairs communications@cpsbc.ca 2