ATCMA Cchpbc
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
Upcoming Webinar: Your Questions on the HPOA
The British Columbia Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioners (ATCMA), the British Columbia Chiropractic Association (BCCA), the Registered Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia (RMTBC), and the British Columbia Naturopathic Doctors (BCND) invite you to a joint webinar to be held on Wednesday, November 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM (Pacific Time). Please note, login details will be shared closer to the event.
CCHPBC Bylaws Feedback on Sections 6 and 9
The ATCMA has submitted its review and and feedback of Sections 6 and 9 regarding the CCHPBC's proposed bylaws changes. Section 6, which is about licensure brought up a great deal of concern from TCM professionals across BC, so we have provided here the key issues and our responses. Section 9 is a much shorter section about delegation that requires more clarification of terms.
ATCMA response to bylaws section 6
ATCMA has heard the concerns over sections 6.8 (o) and (p) in the currently proposed bylaws from the CCHPBC. We hear you, and we will be responding formally to the CCHPBC before the deadline of September 23rd. You can also submit your own feedback at: https://cchpbc.ca/hpoa/bylawsconsultation/. Below we present just two elements for consideration of TCM registrants for these bylaws. Please note that we have not yet completed our full review of sections 6 and 9, but because there has been a fair amount of discussion about section 6.8 (o), we have decided to post this now in the hopes of providing more clarity and fact-based information.
CCHPBC Bylaws Feedback on Sections 8, 10, and 13
The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture of BC (ATCMA) has reviewed the proposed bylaws that will under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA). While we recognize the significant work involved, our review identifies areas where the new framework may affect professional autonomy, fairness, and financial transparency. These concerns are particularly relevant as the HPOA shifts governance from elected, peer-led boards to minister-appointed boards with centralized oversight.
Advocate for TCM in BC Today -A Quick Letter-Writing Guide
BC’s TCM profession is facing urgent regulatory issues that threaten patient safety, professional integrity, and access to care. The Ministry of Health and key leaders need to hear from as many practitioners as possible — in your own words.