ATCMA
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.
ATCMA Presents Recommendations to BC Government Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act
Dr. Melissa Carr, ATCMA Executive Director, recently presented on behalf of the British Columbia Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioners to the BC government’s Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act, i.e., ICBC.
Special Workshop Offer for ATCMA Members & BC TCM/Acupuncture Students
Looking to increase your visibility, build your professional presence, and grow your practice? Traditional Chine Medicine Ontario Association (TCMO) is hosting an upcoming virtual workshop with Dr. Eileen Li, and they are extending the course discount to ATCMA members and BC TCM students!
A Valuable Research Resource for TCM Practitioners: KPU Library Access
Continuing education and access to reliable research are important parts of professional practice for TCM professionals. KPU Library offers BC residents access to valuable electronic and print resources, including health-related databases and books—and you don’t have to be a KPU student to use them! A huge thank you to Lisa Hubrick, Acquisitions & Collections and Faculty of Health Liaison Librarian, for putting this helpful information together for ATCMA members.
Celebrate Allied Health Professionals Day 2026
October 14 is Allied Health Professionals Day, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of allied health professionals across BC. ATCMA encourages members to nominate outstanding TCM practitioners, acupuncturists, educators, preceptors, researchers, leaders, and teams for the 2026 Allied Health Professionals Day Awards, with nominations open until October 9.
Starting Your TCM Career? ATCMA Wants to Make Membership Easier.
Starting a career in TCM and acupuncture is exciting, but we know the early years can also come with a long list of expenses and challenges. That’s why ATCMA is making membership even more accessible for students and new practitioners. Because being part of your professional association and supporting the future of our profession shouldn’t be another financial burden.