On April 1, 2015, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 was amended. This amendment increased the monetary fines that can be imposed for illegal use of title and for illegally holding oneself out as a member of the College.
Remember:
- Only members of the College can use the titles “traditional Chinese medicine practitioner” or “acupuncturist”.
- Only members of the College can hold themselves out as members of the College.
If a person illegally uses either title or pretends to be a member of the College (when he or she is not) he or she can now be ordered to pay a fine of up to $25,000. The former limit was $5,000.
If the person goes on to use either title again or pretend to be a member of the College, he or she can now be ordered to pay a fine of up to $50,000. The former limit was $10,000.
The explanation for this increase is that the public has had sufficient time to learn that the protected titles (e.g. traditional Chinese practitioner and acupuncturist) are to be used by members of the College only. Similarly, the public has had sufficient time to learn that they cannot pretend to be members of the College when they are not.
If you have any questions about how to become a member of the College please contact 416-238-7359 or info@ctcmpao.on.ca.
If you are concerned that a person is illegally using a protected title and/or holding out as a member of the College, please contact 416-238-7359, option 5 or email complaints@ctcmpao.on.ca
