ATCMA Advocacy
Your Voice Matters: Join the Conversation About the Future of TCM in BC
With the BC provincial election approaching, now is the time to make sure candidates hear from the TCM community! ATCMA encourages practitioners, students, patients, and TCM supporters to attend a non-partisan press briefing organized by CTCMDA on October 13 to learn where attending candidates and MLAs stand on issues affecting TCM and acupuncture in BC. Join us in showing that our profession matters and that we want to be part of the conversation about the future of healthcare in British Columbia.
ATCMA Member Guide: Questions to Ask Candidates in the 2026 BC Provincial Election
With the BC provincial election coming up on October 24, 2026, ATCMA has created this members-only resource to help you make an informed decision about the issues that matter to you, your patients, and our profession. As an ATCMA member, this is one of the many benefits of membership—providing you with information, tools, and resources to help you advocate for your TCM and acupuncture practice in BC. Use the questions and templates to connect with candidates in your riding and find out where they stand on the issues affecting our profession.
ATCMA Responds to CCHPBC Consultation on Herbal Medicine Clinical Practice Standard
ATCMA has submitted feedback to CCHPBC on the proposed Clinical Practice Standard for designing, compounding, and dispensing herbal medicines and natural health products. While ATCMA supports clear clinical standards for regulated professionals, the standard does not address the underlying concern about who is legally authorized to prescribe, design, compound, and dispense Chinese herbal formulas. TCM practitioners are encouraged to review the consultation and submit their own feedback by October 9, 2026.
Chinese Herbal Formula Prescribing: The BC Government’s New Q&A
The BC Government has released a new Q&A clarifying the current status of Chinese herbal formula prescribing under the HPOA. While the Q&A confirms that TCM professionals have not lost the ability to prescribe, compound or dispense Chinese herbal formulas, ATCMA’s key concern—ensuring unregulated individuals cannot prescribe these specialized remedies—remains unresolved.
ATCMA Presents Recommendations to BC Government Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act
Dr. Melissa Carr, ATCMA Executive Director, recently presented on behalf of the British Columbia Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioners to the BC government’s Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act, i.e., ICBC.
Starting Your TCM Career? ATCMA Wants to Make Membership Easier.
Starting a career in TCM and acupuncture is exciting, but we know the early years can also come with a long list of expenses and challenges. That’s why ATCMA is making membership even more accessible for students and new practitioners. Because being part of your professional association and supporting the future of our profession shouldn’t be another financial burden.
President's Report September 2026
Summer may be a quieter time for many, but behind the scenes, ATCMA has continued working hard on behalf of our members and the future of Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia. From advocacy and regulatory discussions to building relationships and advancing important priorities for our profession, there has been no shortage of activity.
In this update, ATCMA President, Dr. Chris Vallee, shares a look at the work taking place behind the scenes, the progress being made, and what lies ahead as we continue working together to strengthen and advance TCM in BC.
Want Better Acupuncture Coverage? Your Patients Can Help Make the Case.
Many TCM and acupuncture professionals hear the same frustration from patients: “I wish my benefits covered more acupuncture treatments.”
For patients who use acupuncture regularly, limited extended health coverage can quickly be exhausted. This can make it harder for patients to continue the care they find helpful and may limit their ability to access treatment when they need it.
ATCMA continues to advocate for the TCM and acupuncture profession in British Columbia, but when it comes to the amount of acupuncture coverage included in an employee benefits plan, there is an important reason that patients and employees need to be part of the conversation.
ATCMA is Bringing Traditional Chinese Medicine to Car-Free Day on Commercial Drive
ATCMA is excited to be participating in Car-Free Day on Commercial Drive on Saturday, September 5, from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.
This lively community event provides a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with the public, raise awareness about Traditional Chinese Medicine, and share information about the important role TCM and acupuncture can play in supporting health and wellness.
Understanding Health Canada's Proposed Raw Materials and Compounding Policies: What They Mean for TCM Herbal Practitioners
Health Canada is proposing changes to its policies on Raw Materials and Compounding. ATCMA has been actively involved in consultations with Health Canada's Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) to help ensure these policies reflect the realities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice. Here's what the proposed policies mean for TCM practitioners and how ATCMA is advocating on your behalf.
Don't Get Caught Off Guard: Important Regulatory Updates for TCM Practitioners
The regulatory environment for TCM practitioners continues to change, sometimes without clear notification. To help you stay informed and compliant, we've compiled some of the latest updates on advocacy efforts, practice expectations, and important reminders that we want our members to know. If you're not already an ATCMA member, we encourage you to join us. Your membership supports the advocacy work that protects and advances our profession while ensuring practitioners stay informed about important regulatory developments. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia.
BC TCM Practitioners Speak: Survey Highlights Key Concerns and Priorities for the Profession
What do BC Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners think about recent regulatory changes and the future of the profession? ATCMA's recent survey reveals widespread concerns about rising costs, regulatory uncertainty, and restrictions affecting core TCM competencies, while also demonstrating strong support for scope modernization and protecting the integrity of TCM as a complete healthcare system. These findings provide valuable insight into the priorities and challenges facing TCM professionals across British Columbia.