Strengthening Safe, Regulated Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine plays an important and valuable role in the health and well-being of many Ontarians. This legislation ensures the public has the choice of regulated and qualified practitioners who are accountable to a regulatory body." Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
New Ontario Government Regulating Health Care Options
Ontario is making traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture services safer by ensuring that only regulated and qualified practitioners deliver these services.
Starting April 1, 2013, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture practitioners need to be registered with and accountable to the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario. The college will oversee and regulate the profession to ensure patients receive safe, high quality health care services.
Traditional Chinese medicine originated several thousand years ago and includes the use of herbal therapy, acupuncture, tuina massage, and therapeutic exercise.
Ensuring access to safe quality health care for the people of Ontario is part of the province’s Action Plan for Health Care.
Quick Facts
- There are approximately 2,000 traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists in Ontario.
- Ontario is the second province (after British Columbia) to regulate traditional Chinese medicine.
- Legislation to regulate traditional Chinese medicine received Royal Assent on Dec. 20, 2006.
- Several other regulated health professions are permitted to perform acupuncture, including chiropody, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, nursing, occupation therapy, physiotherapy and naturopathy.
The new College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario is committed to putting public safety first in regulating the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. The college will ensure Ontarians receive quality health care services by practitioners who possess the knowledge, skill and judgment required for safe practice.” Emily Cheung, Registrar, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario
Learn More
- Learn more about the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
