TCM History & Theory - Acupuncture - Herbal Medicine - Modern Chinese/Oriental Medicine  - What does it treat? - Diagnosis - CTCMA Regulation in British Columbia

HOW IS TCM AND ACUPUNCTURE REGULATED IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?

by Dan Schalm R.Ac, R.TCMP

Traditional Chinese Medicine is regulated by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC (CTCMA). They are a self governing body in the same sense as the College of Registered Nurses or the College of Physicians. All practitioners of TCM must be registered and follow the bylaws of the CTCMA as well as the regulations of the Health Professionals Act of BC. The CTCMA exists to protect the public by ensuring competency of its registered members.

There are presently four types of designation given by the CTCMA to its members.

• Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.)

  • Limited to practice acupuncture but not herbal medicine.

  • Requires a minimum of three years training subsequent to two years of university level science.

• Registered TCM Herbalist (R.TCM.H)

  • Limited to practice TCM herbal medicine but not acupuncture.

  • Requires a minimum of three years training subsequent to two years of university level science.

• Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCM.P)

  • Allowed to practice the full spectrum of Chinese medicine in BC, both acupuncture and herbal medicine.

  • Requires a minimum of four years training subsequent to two years of university level science.

• Registered Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM)

  • Allowed to practice the full spectrum of Chinese medicine in BC, both acupuncture and herbal medicine.

  • May take referrals from other practitioners.

  • Requires a minimum of five years training subsequent to two years of university level science.

The prime goal of the CTCMA is to ensure that it's members are qualified to practice Chinese medicine in a competent manner. CTCMA registrants must attain a competency level of practice activity to renew their registration, as well as complete ongoing advancement on a yearly basis.

For more information, please see the CTCMA website.

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TCM History & Theory - Acupuncture - Herbal Medicine - Modern Chinese/Oriental Medicine  - What does it treat? - Diagnosis - CTCMA Regulation in British Columbia