ATCMA
Allied Health Policy Secretariat
About the Allied Health Policy Secretariat
As part of the Ministry of Health, the Allied Health Policy Secretariat (AHPS) was created to guide the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies, programs, and initiatives related to the allied health workforce.
Are You an Allied Health Professional?
In short, if you are a TCM professional in BC, yes.
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.
ATCMA President Dr. Chris Vallee Message- Honouring a TCM Pioneer: Dr. Bill Hardman Retires After 30+ Years of Healing and Advocacy
Dr. William (Bill) Hardman, Dr. TCM, is retiring after over 34 years of dedicated service in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Throughout his career, he has been a compassionate healer, teacher, and strong advocate for the profession—playing a key role in unifying associations and helping establish the ATCMA. His contributions have left a lasting impact on both patients and the TCM community in BC. We thank Dr. Hardman for his legacy of leadership, advocacy, and care.
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.
May 2025 Updates from ATCMA, BCCA, RMTBC and BCND
On behalf of the British Columbia Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists (ATCMA), the BC Chiropractic Association (BCCA), the Registered Massage Therapists Association of BC (RMTBC), and BC Naturopathic Doctors (BCND), we are pleased to share our latest update that highlights our joint work over the last few months.
ATCMA Spring 2025 Survey of TCM Professionals in BC
ATCMA is thrilled to say that we received 352 responses to our survey of TCM professionals across BC. We present here the results of the survey. Our plan is to use this information to help us determine our priorities when it comes to representing our members and advocating for TCM across the province. We also hope that it encourages not-yet-members to join the ATCMA to help us do the work that benefits us all. If you are not an ATCMA member, then now is the time to join. In addition to helping us do the work for the profession, you also get many perks and discounts for yourself. https://atcma.org/blog/benefits-of-atcma-membership
Take Action: Contact Your Member of Parliament to Support Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a time-tested, evidence-informed, and culturally significant part of Canada's health landscape. As a TCM practitioner, patient, or supporter, you can help strengthen the future of this vital healthcare system by contacting your federal Member of Parliament (MP). Your voice is essential in ensuring that TCM continues to be recognized, respected, and supported across Canada.
Federal Election Toolkit
An issue that our profession is currently dealing with is what Health Canada calls "cost recovery" with the Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate.
Use our nonpartisan election toolkit to bring attention to this issue and remind candidates that TCM practitioners and the public that are our patients are voters too!
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.