ATCMA Herbs
ATCMA Board Members Attend Non-Partisan Press Briefing on TCM and Acupuncture in BC
ATCMA board members Charity Cheng and Bruce Pan attended CTCMDA’s non-partisan press briefing on October 13, 2026, providing an opportunity to hear political candidates’ perspectives on TCM and acupuncture in BC. The event highlighted the importance of communicating the profession’s priorities directly to decision-makers and building relationships across party lines to advance professional recognition, patient access, and public safety.
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.
Chinese Herbal Formulas and Chiropractic Scope: Is There an Issue?
ATCMA has reviewed CCHPBC’s new Clinical Practice Standard on herbal medicines and natural health products and consulted with the BC Chiropractic Association. Our review found no evidence that the standard expands chiropractors’ scope of practice or newly authorizes them to prescribe Chinese herbal formulas. ATCMA continues to focus on restoring the restricted activity for prescribing and designing Chinese herbal formulas to protect the public and recognize the training of regulated TCM professionals.
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.
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.
Clarifying Scope: Supplement Recommendations and the Role of R.Ac.s in BC
In my previous understanding, I believed that Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac.s) were permitted to recommend certain Natural Health Products (NHPs), such as vitamins and supplements, within the context of patient care. Upon further review and confirmation from the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC), I want to correct that understanding.
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.
NNHPD Cost Recovery & Labelling Changes: ATCMA Advocating for the TCM Profession
Health Canada’s NNHPD is consulting on proposed cost recovery measures and labelling changes that could significantly impact TCM herbal products. ATCMA is actively engaging key stakeholders to assess the implications and ensure the profession’s voice is represented throughout this regulatory process.
Ministry of Health Statement on Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation
Following sustained advocacy from the TCM community, the Ministry of Health has indicated it will clarify restrictions around prescribing Chinese herbal formulas. Final assessment will depend on the specific language adopted in the amended Regulations and Bylaws.