ATCMA Advocacy
CCHPBC Bylaws Feedback on Sections 5 and 11
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), our regulatory college, put out for public review and feedback Sections 5 and 11 of our new proposed bylaws for Acupuncturists and TCM professionals, naturopaths, registered massage therapists, and chiropractors. We were given just 2 weeks to review the important sections and provide feedback, which was due on Friday May 30, 2025.
May 2025 Updates from ATCMA, BCCA, RMTBC and BCND
On behalf of the British Columbia Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists (ATCMA), the BC Chiropractic Association (BCCA), the Registered Massage Therapists Association of BC (RMTBC), and BC Naturopathic Doctors (BCND), we are pleased to share our latest update that highlights our joint work over the last few months.
ATCMA Spring 2025 Survey of TCM Professionals in BC
ATCMA is thrilled to say that we received 352 responses to our survey of TCM professionals across BC. We present here the results of the survey. Our plan is to use this information to help us determine our priorities when it comes to representing our members and advocating for TCM across the province. We also hope that it encourages not-yet-members to join the ATCMA to help us do the work that benefits us all. If you are not an ATCMA member, then now is the time to join. In addition to helping us do the work for the profession, you also get many perks and discounts for yourself. https://atcma.org/blog/benefits-of-atcma-membership
Take Action: Contact Your Member of Parliament to Support Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a time-tested, evidence-informed, and culturally significant part of Canada's health landscape. As a TCM practitioner, patient, or supporter, you can help strengthen the future of this vital healthcare system by contacting your federal Member of Parliament (MP). Your voice is essential in ensuring that TCM continues to be recognized, respected, and supported across Canada.
Federal Election Toolkit
An issue that our profession is currently dealing with is what Health Canada calls "cost recovery" with the Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate.
Use our nonpartisan election toolkit to bring attention to this issue and remind candidates that TCM practitioners and the public that are our patients are voters too!
Meeting with Health Canada's NNHPD Director
On March 21, ATCMA’s Executive Director, Dr. Melissa Carr, was invited to an online meeting with Health Canada’s Natural and Non-Prescription Health Product Directorate’s (NNHPD) Director General, Mr. Stephen Norman, and Senior Policy Analyst for NNHPD, Ms. Helene Lowell.
ICBC Recovery Network Launch Reminder
ICBC’s Recovery Network launches March 30, 2025. Are you ready?
Because of the hard work of the ATCMA, acupuncture has been covered by ICBC since 2019. Now, ATCMA continues our advocacy work and regular biweekly conversations with ICBC to represent and share information with our members.
There have been a lot of rumours and questions and concerns regarding ICBC’s upcoming Recovery Network program. ATCMA is here to answer your questions, so you can make an informed decision about what actions you will take. For some of the most common questions, read on.
In the News: Proposed Health Canada Changes Put Future of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Risk
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been an integral part of many Canadians' wellness routines. However, recent proposals by Health Canada to amend regulations concerning natural health products (NHPs) have raised significant concerns among practitioners and consumers alike. These proposed changes, slated for implementation in December 2025, could profoundly impact the accessibility and affordability of TCM across the country.
ICBC Recovery Network Program Information February 2025 Update
Many TCM professionals across BC do direct billing with ICBC, treating patients who’ve been in a motor vehicle accident (MVA). If you are one of those practitioners, then you should understand ICBC’s upcoming Recovery Network Program (RNP). This detailed document answers many of our members' questions.
