Chiropractic

The College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia (CCHPBC) is the regulatory body established to regulate chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. The CCHPBC was established on June 28, 2024. The CCHPBC resulted from the amalgamation of the College of Chiropractors of BC, the College of Massage Therapists of BC, the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC, and the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC.

Chiropractic has been a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since March 1, 2009, and is regulated by the College in accordance with the Act, the Chiropractors Regulation and the bylaws of the College.

Chiropractic has been a regulated profession under British Columbia legislation since 1934. Before designation under the Health Professions Act, the profession was regulated under the former Chiropractors Act and the College was known as the British Columbia College of Chiropractors.

Transition of Chiropractic to the Health Professions Act

Repeal of the Chiropractors Act was provided for in the Health Professions Amendment Act 2003.

As required by the Health Professions Act, the Ministry gave initial notice of the proposed Chiropractors Regulation on November 21, 2006. The Ministry gave notice of the final draft of the proposed Chiropractors Regulation on October 24, 2008.

On December 12, 2008, the government announced that, effective March 1, 2009, the repeal of the Chiropractors Act would be brought into force and the profession of chiropractic would be designated under the Health Professions Act.

On February 3, 2009, the College gave notice of proposed bylaws under the Health Professions Act. Comments were requested to be submitted to the College and the Ministry by February 20, 2009.

On February 9, 2009, the Minister appointed the first board of the College under the Health Professions Act, and ordered that the first election of professional members to the board must be held by June 1, 2010.

On March 1, 2009, the government announced completion of the transition.

The first election of professional members to the board was completed on September 16, 2009.

Amendments to the Chiropractors Regulation

Amendments to the Chiropractors Regulation and to most College bylaws are subject to a three-month notice period, unless the Minister specifies a shorter period.

The College is responsible for giving notice of proposed bylaw amendments, including posting them on the College website, and all bylaw amendments must be filed with the Minister to be effective. Filed bylaws come into force 60 days after the date of filing, unless the Minister either disallows the change or specifies an earlier date, or the College withdraws the change.

The full text of the current bylaws and information about any proposed bylaw amendments may be obtained by contacting the College. Comments on proposed bylaw amendments should be submitted to both the College and the Ministry.