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Frequently Asked Questions

Public FAQ
How can I file a complaint against a registrant?

If you have concerns about the actions of a registrant of the College, you may send a complaint to the Registrar. Please refer to the File a Complaint page for detailed information.

How can I verify whether a practitioner is your registrant in good standing?

Search the registry to verify if a practitioner is registered by last name, registration number or address.

Should I get treatment from an individual who is not your registrant?

The right to use a professional title is controlled by provincial law and requires registration in a provincial health regulatory organization under the Health Professions Act. Registration ensures that a health professional has the basic educational preparation required to practice competently and that he or she subscribes to established standards of practice and ethics. For your protection, never seek treatment from an individual not registered with any one of BC’s health regulatory colleges.

What’s the difference between the College’s registration titles?

Registrants with different registration titles have different areas of practice.

  • Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dr.TCM) is a registrant authorized to practise acupuncture, and prescribe, compound or dispense Chinese herbal medicine. This registrant has met training/examination requirements at a higher level than registrants with the other titles.
  • Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCM.P.) is a registrant authorized to practise acupuncture, and prescribe, compound or dispense Chinese herbal medicine.
  • Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) is a registrant authorized to practise acupuncture.
  • Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist (R.TCM.H.) is a registrant authorized to prescribe, compound or dispense Chinese herbal medicine.
Can you recommend a practitioner to me?

Please understand as a regulatory body, the College cannot recommend registrants to you or answer questions regarding traditional Chinese medicine treatment. You can search the registry to verify if a practitioner is registered.

What is the role of the College?

The College is the regulatory body for the profession of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture in British Columbia, mandated to regulate in the public interest. The College is neither a school nor association. For more information about the College, please refer to the About Page.

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