Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Regulation in Canada

Acupuncture Laws Across Canada

 

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine regulation unfortunately are not nationwide in Canada; however, there are currently five provinces established by provincial/territorial law with a mandate to protect the public’s right to safe, competent and ethical services offered by registered TCM Practitioners, TCM Acupuncturists, and/or TCM Herbalists who are members of the regulatory bodies. Currently, British Columbia and Ontario regulate both TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists. Alberta, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador regulate Acupuncturists only.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation in Canada

Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation in Canada

Provincial Variations: Legislation governing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices varies across Canadian provinces. For instance, in British Columbia, protected titles include Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.), Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P), and Doctor of TCM (Dr. TCM), each with distinct program requirements.

British Columbia Example:

  • Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.): Acupuncture only - 3 years program.
  • Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P): Combined acupuncture and herbology with restrictions - 4 years program.
  • Doctor of TCM (Dr. TCM): Combined acupuncture and herbology without restrictions - 5 years program.

Pan-Canadian Examinations: To practice under these protected titles, individuals must pass the Pan-Canadian Written and Clinical Case-Study Examinations administered by the Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CARB-TCMPA). Additional provincial examinations may be required.

Prerequisites for Pan-Canadian Examinations:
TitleProgram Requirements
R.Ac. / R.TCM.HMinimum 1900 hours, including 450-600 hours of clinical training over 3 years.
R.TCM.P2600 hours, with at least 650 hours of clinical training.
Dr. TCM3250 hours, including 1050 hours of clinical instruction (825 supervised practice).

Provincial Registration: Successful examination completion allows application for provincial regulatory college registration, which includes reference and criminal record checks.

Important: Practitioners can only be licensed in one province at a time. Some provinces have reciprocity agreements for license transfer.

Maintenance of Registration: Practitioners must maintain regulatory college membership, meet patient appointment and continuing education requirements, and undergo periodic criminal record checks.

Acupuncture Institutions by Province

British Columbia

Under the "Profession" list choose "Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturists" then write in the name of the city you are searching for in the "City" field. College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia (CTCMA)

Alberta

Find Registered Acupuncturists/TCM Practitioners College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA)

Quebec

Find Registered Acupuncturists/TCM Practitioners Order of Acupuncturists Quebec (OAQ)

Other Provinces

Find Acupuncturists/TCM Practitioners in Other Provinces (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI)
Contact: Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada Head Office Email: cmaac@execulink.com or headoffice@cmaac.ca Telephone: (519) 642-1970 Fax: (519) 642-2932 Website: www.cmaac.ca

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