Update on Increasing TCM's Scope of Practice

by Dr Andrew R. Taylor Dr. TCM, R.A.c., R.M.T., C.I.


Currently the Scope of Practice Committee is waiting for government input and the final ground rules for deciding how our health profession qualifies for Reserved Acts has yet to be decided. Our current understanding is that the following conditions must be met:

1. Must be taught at some level in the B.C. and Chinese schools at even the most basic level. Theory level acceptable.
2. Used in China.
3. Training available at a post-graduate level.

Currently the Pacific Coast Institute is gearing all its efforts to provide courses that meet all the CTCMA requirements, and to provide quality training in Reserved Acts. Injection courses allow CTCMA registrants to meet the current government requirements for obtaining the Reserved Act of injecting a substance below the dermis, and so far courses have been taught in Basic and Advanced Level Injection. CTCMA is granting continuing education credits and practitioners are reporting great success in using new injection techniques.

And extended health insurance companies are reimbursing patients for injection costs!

We are also going to be teaching courses in Tui-Na Manipulation and Bone Setting allowing practitioners to qualify for the Reserved Act of a high velocity manipulation with low amplitude thrust. Courses will also be taught in ultrasound, laser and electricity allowing practitioners to qualify for the Reserved Act of applying a hazardous energy (currently if the college wished it could stop practitioners from using medical electricity (tens/micro-current) to stimulate needles, as we have not currently been named in this reserved act).

Fortune favors the bold -- act now as next year it will be too late!

We have a small window of opportunity at the moment due to all the government delays, so get on board and join the fight to have our scope of practice increased. Take courses. The more people trained and using these techniques, the more courses available, and the more likely these Reserved Acts will be given to CTCMA registrants.

Write to the CTCMA demanding that they ask our liability insurers to include these acts in our liability insurance coverage.

Check out the New Mexico Acupuncture and TCM Association website to see the history of how they obtained injection, as well as many of the other reserved acts we are currently seeking, in their scope of practice.

P.S. We are currently taking applications for instructors to teach the Tui-Na courses. Please e-mail me at AndrewRT@telus.net.