Established in 1949 and incorporated in 1952, the British Columbia Association of Laboratory Physicians was originally called the British Columbia Association of Pathologists. The original functions of the Association were to maintain high standards of proficiency in pathology and elevate the scientific and professional status of pathologists. In 1950, the BCAP became the Section of Pathology of the British Columbia Medical Association and was given a mandate to consider business and economic matters relating to the section and to make recommendations to the BCMA. In 1976, the Association changed its name to the British Columbia Association of Laboratory Physicians. Accordingly, the Association's section name also changed and it became the Section of Laboratory Physicians. The Association frequently strikes committees to investigate or manage specific areas and activities within its mandate.