HPOA

Understanding the Health Professions and Occupations Act

The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) is the legislation governing regulated health professions in British Columbia. It replaced the former Health Professions Act on April 1, 2026.

For traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists, the HPOA provides the broader legal framework within which professional regulation, licensing, standards of practice, complaints, investigations, discipline, and public protection operate.

TCM and acupuncture professionals in British Columbia are regulated by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia (CCHPBC).

Key Areas

Public Protection and Accountability

The HPOA places public protection, regulatory accountability, transparency, and consistent governance at the centre of health-profession regulation.

Professional Practice

Practitioners remain responsible for complying with applicable legislation, regulations, CCHPBC bylaws, standards of practice, ethical requirements, and limits of competence.

Complaints and Discipline

The HPOA establishes the legal structure for receiving complaints, investigating professional conduct and competence, and addressing disciplinary matters.

Clinical Communication and Documentation

Informed consent, accurate clinical records, appropriate advertising, professional boundaries, patient communication, and evidence of clinical reasoning are central components of accountable practice.

What This Means for TCM Practice

The transition to the HPOA does not eliminate the clinical identity of traditional Chinese medicine. It places TCM practice within a more transparent and publicly accountable regulatory structure.

Practitioners must understand not only treatment methods, but also the legal and professional systems governing how care is explained, documented, advertised, and delivered.

Disclaimer

This page provides general educational commentary only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or official regulatory guidance. Readers should consult the current legislation, regulations, and CCHPBC publications when making professional decisions.