ATCMA Herbs
How Advocacy Works: Why Some of Our Work Happens Behind the Scenes
Advocacy is rarely as simple--or as fast--as any of us would like. As a professional association, ATCMA understands the frustration many in our community feel when change is happening around us and information seems limited. We want to take this opportunity to explain how advocacy work actually unfolds, why some conversations cannot be shared publicly in real time, and how ATCMA has been working consistently and strategically on behalf of the profession.
Defending Safe Herbal Practice: ATCMA Board Members Join Protest Against Regulatory Changes
ATCMA board members, Charity Cheng and Dr. Virginia Ding, attended a rally today to protest the BC government's removal of the restricted activity of prescribing, compounding, and dispensing Chinese herbal formulas, currently set to come into action on April 1, 2026.
Act Now To Protect Public Safety and Professional Standards
With the implementation of the new Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) and our new Regulations, forthcoming changes will remove the restricted activity of prescribing Chinese herbal formulas beginning April 1, 2026. The consequence? An opening for unregulated individuals to prescribe, compound, and sell Chinese herbal medicine without oversight, training, or professional accountability.
Removing this vital protection is not just a bureaucratic change — it’s a fundamental threat to public safety and the integrity of our profession. Take action!
3 Ways to Act to Regain Our Restricted Activity of Prescribing Chinese Herbs
The prescribing of Chinese herbal formulas requires specialized education, clinical judgment, and regulatory oversight. ATCMA is sharing these options for practitioners and public to support the reinstatement of prescribing, compounding, and dispensing of Chinese herbal medicine as a restricted activity in British Columbia.
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.
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.
Cross-country TCM Association Collaboration
As a result of the recent omission of acupuncture and TCM from the Compendium of Roles In Team-Based Primary Care (read about that here), ATCMA put out a call for a meeting between TCM associations across Canada. On Sunday June 29th, four associations of the five regulated provinces met to coordinate actions and make plans for our futures.
News about NNHPD "cost recovery" fees
On June 13, 2025, the ATCMA’s Executive Director, Dr. Melissa Carr, met with Stephen Norman, Executive Director of Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), to discuss pressing issues facing the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) community and broader natural health product (NHP) industry in Canada. The meeting offered insight into the evolving regulatory landscape, including the much-debated cost recovery program, changing government priorities, and labelling compliance extensions.
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.
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.
Health Canada’s Regulatory Changes and Their Impact on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
ATCMA has been communicating with government and stakeholders about the upcoming fee changes Health Canada is placing on Natural Health Products (NHPs), including processed Chinese herbs and TCM products. This will likely lead to increased prices and loss of product availability and access.