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About Us

The Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists  (CARB-TCMPA) is the national forum and voice of provincial regulatory authorities that are established by their respective provincial legislation. The founding members comprise the regulatory bodies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (TCM/A) of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

CARB-TCMPA’s members govern individuals who practice Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and use the titles authorized by provincial legislation to ensure that patients receive safe, quality, and ethical health care services. Through collaborative activities, CARB-TCMPA promotes quality practice and labour mobility across Canada. We serve as a resource to members, governments, and the public. We work collaboratively on identified issues and act on opportunities that could have an impact on the regulation, quality, education, and training of TCM professionals to ensure public protection.

CARB-TCMPA is an independent not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. It is governed by a Board of Directors that is appointed by its members.

Mission: To set pan-Canadian standards and to support members across the country in meeting these standards.

Vision: Acupuncture and TCM is an integral part of the healthcare system and is accessible to all.

Core Values: transparency, quality, collaboration, innovation, and responsibility

Current priorities

CARB-TCMPA finalized the Pan-Canadian Standard Entry-Level Occupational Competency Profile for TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists in 2018. Occupational Competencies were first developed by CARB-TCMPA in 2009, and updated in 2010 and 2015. They underwent a comprehensive review and revalidation in 2017, leading to the current competency profile.

CARB-TCMPA administers the Pan-Canadian Entry-level Examinations in TCM and Acupuncture (the “Pan-Canadian Examinations”). The Pan-Canadian Examinations assess occupational competencies of entry-level TCM professionals that are required for safe, competent, and ethical practice. Successful completion of the Pan-Canadian Examinations is required for registration as a TCM Practitioner, Acupuncturist or TCM Herbalist, along with other requirements imposed by the provincial regulator. Read more about the exams, the delivery format, accessibility, and appeals.

CARB-TCMPA recently started developing standards for a TCM education accreditation program. The purpose of this project is to have a standardized process that CARB-TCMPA and its members can use with participating educators to evaluate and improve the quality of their services. Learn more about the project, how the standards are being developed, and anticipated timelines

CARB-TCMPA is working towards the development of national standards of practice for TCM/A practitioners.