On January 1, 2014, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has released their new Program of Choice (POC)12- Related Health Services. Their members can now have access to acupuncture by Acupuncturists; however, the new code 244991 indicates a referral is required by a medical doctor. As acts varies somewhat in each provinces, Ontario is regulated under the Regulated Health Profession Act (RHPA) which requires the Acupuncture and TCM to be independent from other regulated health professions in Ontario. Hence the need for medical doctor referrals is unnecessary and not current with the regulations.This letter serves as a necessity to clarify our positions in healthcare in Ontario so that people are clear in their options and are best equipped to choose the healthcare they deserve.
This letter has been submitted and prepared by the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC). We want to acknowledge and appreciate the support of this campaign from The Canadian Society of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (CSCMA) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Physicians Association of Canada (TCMPAC). Together we stand united in our belief of using acupuncture effectively and appropriately and to offer patients the best healthcare possible.
Please click the link below to read the letter. Show your support by forwarding this letter to your group and colleagues. Thank you!