ATCMA
Myths and Facts about working with ICBC Prepared for ATCMA
To support our members, the ATCMA has gathered some of the most common myths surrounding ICBC coverage for acupuncture and compared them with the actual facts. Our goal is to provide clarity, reduce administrative frustration, and help you feel confident navigating ICBC processes so you can focus on what matters most: patient care.
Potential Loss of Federal Student Grants to Most TCM Schools
Earlier today, we received new information from the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC) regarding an upcoming town hall discussion in Richmond, hosted by MP Garnett Genuis, Shadow Minister for Employment. This meeting will address a proposal in the 2025 federal budget that would limit access to Canada Student Grants to students attending public institutions or not-for-profit private institutions. If implemented, this change would remove grant eligibility for students enrolled in private career colleges—including all Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture programs in BC.
How to Connect with Your MLA About the Impacts of the HPOA on the TCM Profession
British Columbia’s health-regulation landscape is undergoing a historic shift. With the new HPOA, the Complementary Health Professions Regulation, the CCHPBC Bylaws, and the new CCHPBC Professional Standards, the entire framework governing TCM and acupuncture practice is being re-written.
ATCMA has serious concerns about several impacts on Traditional Chinese Medicine. These issues affect not only practitioners, but also patient access, cultural continuity, and the integrity of TCM as a distinct profession.
This is a crucial moment for TCM professionals to engage. Read on to learn what you can do!
FAQs about HPOA
On November 12, 2025, the British Columbia Naturopathic Doctors (BCND), the British Columbia Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioners (ATCMA), the British Columbia Chiropractic Association (BCCA), and the Registered Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia (RMTBC) co-hosted a webinar to address key questions about the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA).
The session centred on implementation of the Act and its implications for practice. The following FAQs summarize the main question themes raised during that webinar. A HUGE thank you to the BCND for providing this information and to the RMTBC for providing your lawyer for the webinar.
Have You Been Internationally Trained or Recently Licensed? CCHPBC Wants Your Input
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) is seeking valuable feedback from those who know the licensing process best — internationally trained practitioners, recent graduates, and newly licensed professionals.
If you’ve navigated the path to licensure in B.C., your experience matters. CCHPBC is collecting insights to better understand the current landscape of substantial equivalency
Health Canada’s NHP Fee Proposal Delayed — What This Means for the TCM Profession
As part of our ongoing advocacy on behalf of the Traditional Chinese Medicine community, the ATCMA has been actively involved in Health Canada’s consultations regarding the proposed cost recovery fees for natural health products (NHPs). We want to update our members and the broader profession on an important development — one that brings positive news for the future accessibility and affordability of Chinese herbal products in Canada.
Reserve Your Seat for the 2025 ATCMA AGM and Information Session on Bylaw and Regulation Changes – November 30
Register Your Seat for the 2025 ATCMA AGM and Talk About Changes in Bylaws and Regulations– November 30
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (9 a.m.-12 p.m. for talk; 1-2 p.m. for ATCMA AGM) (Pacific Time)
