Hospitals and other health care facilities will be required to report gunshot and stab wounds to police effective Feb. 1, when the province's Gunshot and Stab Wound Disclosure Act comes into effect.
"Often in cases of gunshots and stab wounds, a timely reaction by police is critical to preventing further violence, injury or death," Coleman said in a statement issued Saturday. "Setting out the rules for reporting these incidents means that police will get the information they need to expedite their response."
The Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics reports that for the past 30 years, the two primary methods used to commit homicide are shooting and stabbing.
In 2009, there were 210 victims killed by stabbing and 179 victims killed by a firearm in Canada accounting for 36 and 30 per cent of homicides respectively.
All gunshot wounds must be reported to police regardless of origin, but there is discretion on stab wounds that are accidental or self-inflicted.
Health facilities that are required to report include hospitals, doctor's offices and walk-in clinics.
B.C. Medical Association president Dr. Ian Gillespie said the legislation provides clear direction to health authorities and facilities "to ensure consistent and timely reporting of violent situations across the health-care system.
"At the same time, the legislation helps health-care professionals balance the need for public safety and the need to maintain patient confidentiality."
Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta mandate reporting of both gunshot and stab wounds. Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec require gunshot wounds to be reported.
