College of

TRADITIONAL

CHINESE MEDICINE

PRACTITIONERS +

ACUPUNCTURISTS

of British Columbia
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Covid 19 Information for the Public

Dec 1, 2020

TCM and Acupuncture clinics in community settings should follow Public Health Orders and implement a Covid-19 Safety Plan according to WorkSafeBC in addition to the College’s bylaws and practice standards for quality practice in their operations.  If a member of the public has any concerns with how a TCM or Acupuncture practitioner provides their health service during the pandemic, they can contact the College:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for the Public

Assessment

Testing Centres

Treatment Information

College’s Related Publications / Information

BC Health Regulators Publication

 Excerpts:

Guiding principles and assumptions

The following guiding principles and assumptions have been identified as foundational for reintroducing health-care services in the context of COVID-19:

  • All registrants will follow the guidance, expectations, and direction provided by the PHO.

  • Registrants employed by hospitals, health authorities, and long-term care facilities should refer to guidance provided by their employers and the PHO.

  • The direction in this document pertains to the delivery of care outside of these settings. These include, but are not limited to, private practice clinics, private mobile or community-based practices, and school-based practices.

  • Some services can be safely and effectively provided virtually. Other services require in-person visits including direct patient care. College standards apply, regardless of whether services are provided virtually or in-person.

  • Wherever possible, physical distancing will be maintained during the delivery of care.

  • In-person services must only proceed when the anticipated benefits of such services outweigh the risks to the patient and the health care provided.

  • The registrant is accountable and is the person best positioned to determine the need for, urgency and appropriateness of in-person services.

  • Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used for the safe delivery of in-person services; however, all registrants must also act to conserve PPE through its judicious use.

  • Registrants must consider if they are the most appropriate health-care provider to address the patient’s needs, referring patients to other members of the health-care team when in the patient’s interest.

  • Registrants must not recommend unproven therapies for treating COVID-19.

  • Registrants must not prescribe or offer any COVID-19 treatments or therapies if infectious diseases is not within their scope of practice.

  • Registrants are accountable to provide clear, honest, transparent communication regarding their policies and procedures related to COVID-19.

Information from Regional Public Health Offices

Resources