ATCMA Herbs
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.
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.
