ATCMA Advocacy
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.
Canadians Want Change in Health Care. Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Be Part of the Solution.
A new national survey shows that Canadians want meaningful health system change, including better access to care, shorter wait times, and greater use of qualified healthcare professionals. This article explores how Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and acupuncturists can help meet those goals through preventive care, patient education, pain management, and collaborative healthcare models, while highlighting key policy changes that could strengthen access to TCM services in British Columbia.
Advocacy Matters: Building on Decades of Progress for TCM and Acupuncture in British Columbia
Many of the advances that TCM and acupuncture practitioners benefit from today did not happen by chance—they were achieved through years of advocacy and professional engagement. Dr. Vallee, ATCMA's president, recently presented to the BC government's budget committee on behalf of the TCM profession.
ATCMA Advocacy and Profession Update
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture in British Columbia continue to face significant regulatory, professional, and healthcare system changes. As these conversations evolve, the ATCMA remains actively engaged in advocacy, collaboration, education, and member support to help strengthen and advance the profession. Below are some of the key areas we are currently focused on.
ATCMA Survey May 2026 Scope of Practice and Regulations
ATCMA is inviting TCM practitioners in BC to complete a survey on the recent HPOA regulatory changes and their impact on practice, costs, and scope. The feedback will help guide future advocacy efforts and support discussions with government and stakeholders. Please complete the survey by May 30, 2026.
Urgent Action Needed: Parliament Votes Tomorrow on Natural Health Product Access
Healthcare practitioners across Canada face a critical moment for patient care. Parliament is voting this week on Bill C-224, which would restore appropriate regulation for Natural Health Products (NHPs) including herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, and traditional formulas. Since 2023, these low-risk products have been subjected to the same enforcement framework as pharmaceutical drugs—with penalties up to $5 million per day—threatening both practitioner supply chains and patient access to essential natural health options. Your voice as a healthcare professional can make the difference in this crucial vote scheduled for March 11.