The British Columbia (B.C.) Regulation 31/2024, enacted under the Health Professions Act [section 25.03(1)], introduces amendments to the regulations governing chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopathic physicians, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists.

The amendments impact the regulatory framework for chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopathic physicians, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners/acupuncturists, with the main changes revolving around the renaming and restructuring of their respective regulatory bodies, the creation of new registration classes, and enhanced alignment under the Health Professions Act.

For chiropractors, a new definition for “registrant” is introduced, referring to individuals authorized under the bylaws to practice chiropractic. The “College of Chiropractors of British Columbia” is renamed to the “College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia.” The regulation allows for the creation of restricted and provisional classes of registrants, distinguishing between fully licensed professionals and those with restricted practice privileges or those undergoing further professional development. These new classes are established under section 19 (1) (i) of the Health Professions Act, aligning with sections 20 (4.2) and 20 (4.3), which govern limited practice privileges.

For massage therapists, A new definition of “registrant” clarifies that a registrant is someone authorized to practice massage therapy under the bylaws. The regulatory body overseeing massage therapists is also renamed from the “College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia” to the “College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia.” New classes of registrants, including restricted and provisional registrants, provide a more flexible framework for licensing individuals at different stages of their careers.

For naturopathic physicians, the term “registrant” is updated to refer to those authorized to practice naturopathic medicine under the bylaws. The “College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia” is renamed to the “College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia,” indicating a consolidation of governance across health professions. Naturopathic physicians will also have access to restricted and provisional registration classes, aligning with section 19 (1) (i) of the Health Professions Act, which helps manage individuals with restricted practice privileges or provisional status.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists will also see their regulatory body renamed from the “College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia” to the “College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia.” Like the other professions, this profession will introduce restricted and provisional registrants, aligned with sections 20 (4.2) and 20 (4.3) of the Health Professions Act, providing flexibility for practitioners working under various conditions.

British Columbia (31/2024) February 27, 2024