Recommending natural health products, including dietary supplements, is within the scope of practice for the following TCM registrants:
- Doctors of TCM (Dr. TCM)
- TCM Practitioners (R.TCM.P)
- TCM Herbalists (R.TCM.H)
The registrant classes listed above may incorporate dietary supplements into treatment plans, provided they follow the relevant practice standards and regulatory requirements established by the College.
Registrants are expected to exercise professional judgment in determining whether they have the appropriate education, training, and competence to recommend dietary supplements. Recommendations must fall within their professional scope of practice and be supported by properly obtained informed consent. This requires ensuring that patients are fully informed about all potential risks, including, but not limited to, possible interactions with prescription medications, foods, and other natural health products.
In general, registrants must also ensure that any natural health products recommended as part of a treatment plan are authorized by Health Canada. This means the product must display an NPN or DIN-HM and be recommended only for the approved uses and claims listed on the product label.
Recommending dietary supplements is not a restricted activity in B.C. and also falls within the scope of practice of other health professionals.
The Regulation of Natural Health Products
Health Canada regulates supplements and Chinese herbal medicines under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR). Under the NHPR, which came into effect on January 1, 2004, natural health products (NHPs) are defined as:
- Probiotics
- Herbal remedies
- Vitamins and minerals
- Homeopathic medicines
- Traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines
- Other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids
The NHPR ensures that all natural health products meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards before being marketed in Canada.
