I write as a TCM and Acupuncture practitioner to draw your attention to a matter that is causing major challenges to my profession, as well as my patients. The scope of practice for TCM and Acupuncture has not been updated for over 20 years. The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (BC) has been asking the Ministry of Health to approve an updated scope of practice to reflect current practices since 2015. With the college amalgamation process, compounded by COVID-19 – this approval has not been forthcoming. What does this mean? I have been using multiple therapies for many years with my patients, including traditional practices like Tui Na medical massage and herbal medicine. Some of these therapies are ‘restricted’ in BC and need approval by the MOH. As a practitioner, I am currently in a position of withdrawing care or breaking rules. I’m asking you as my MLA to ask the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to address approving the CTCMA scope of practice update and allow TCM&A practitioners to use all of the tools at hand to treat and prevent unnecessary suffering for patients. I thank you for your support!

As a TCM & Acupuncture practitioner, I would like to request your help addressing an issue that is impacting many of my patients. I have been required to withdraw care from my patients because the updated scope of practice for my profession has not been approved by the MOH. Although it has been ready to be approved for 6 years, the Ministry has taken no action. The means that patients who have relied on my services for many years are now unable to get all of the services they require for their health concerns. Some modalities that practitioners currently use are ‘restricted’ and require approval by the MOH. Until this happens, practitioners’ hands are tied and our patients suffer. TCM and Acupuncture practitioners in BC urgently need your help to get their scope of practice update approved by the Ministry of Health before the allied health profession colleges amalgamate later this year. Our patients can’t keep waiting for the care they have come to depend on. They need help now. I hope I can count on you for your support!

I write as a TCM and Acupuncture practitioner to draw your attention to a matter that is causing major challenges to my profession, as well as my patients. The scope of practice for TCM and Acupuncture has not been updated for over 20 years. The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (BC) has been asking the Ministry of Health to approve an updated scope of practice to reflect current practices since 2015. With the college amalgamation process, compounded by COVID-19 – this approval has not been forthcoming. What does this mean? I have been using multiple therapies for many years with my patients, including traditional practices like Tui Na medical massage and herbal medicine. Patients depend on the care I provide and not having the tools we need to work with compromises patient care. With over 2,000 practitioners affected, this impacts over a quarter of a million patients in British Columbia. TCM and Acupuncture practitioners in BC urgently need your help to get their scope of practice update approved by the Ministry of Health before the allied health profession colleges amalgamate later this year. I hope I can count on you for your support!