Announcing the development of the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC’s new, unified Quality Assurance Program

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Feb 4, 2026

Announcing the development of the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC’s new, unified Quality Assurance Program

The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) is pleased to announce the development of a new, unified Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for Chiropractors, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists, Naturopathic Doctors, and Massage Therapists. To support the transition and ongoing development of the unified QAP, all existing QAP requirements will conclude simultaneously, meaning that:  

  • Effective February 18, 2026, completion and reporting of existing QA requirements listed below will not be required: 
    • Continuing Education (CE) 
    • Practice Development Programs (PDP) 
    • Practice Support Program (PSP) 
    • Required courses

A set of questions and answers below have been assembled to address notable points of interest for licensees that have emerged through the initial development of the unified QAP.

Why develop a unified Quality Assurance Program (QAP)?

As existing QAPs for Chiropractors, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists, Naturopathic Doctors, and Massage Therapists vary in structure, expectations, requirements, and tools, transitioning to a unified QAP will ensure consistency and set clear expectations for all licensees regulated by the College. 

CCHPBC is developing a unified QAP for all licensees regulated by the College to support CCHPBC’s vision as a multi-profession regulator, comply with the requirements in the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), and align all licensees with CCHPBC’s harmonized Professional Standards. These standards, which were recently open for a period of public consultation, ensure consistency in expectations and uphold shared principles of quality and safety in patient care.

What does this mean for existing Quality Assurance Programs (QAP)?

Effective February 18, 2026, the existing QAPs for Chiropractors, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists, Naturopathic Doctors, and Massage Therapists will conclude simultaneously.

In April 2026, all licensees regulated by CCHPBC will begin activities to transition to CCHPBC’s unified QAP. Licensees do not need to complete any of the requirements from existing QAPs, however licensees are encouraged to engage regularly in professional development activities to maintain and improve professional knowledge, skills, and competencies that support the provision of safe and ethical care.  

What is the transition to the unified Quality Assurance Program (QAP)?

Starting in April 2026, CCHPBC will release a series of transitional learning modules that introduce the College’s new, harmonized Professional Standards. Each learning module will be based on two of CCHPBC’s nine Professional Standards, and will contain an introduction to the standards, scenarios to assist licensees on applying the standards in practice, and a short, self-administered knowledge check.

In fall 2026, licensees will complete a quiz on the College’s nine harmonized Professional Standards. Completion of the quiz will provide feedback on how well licensees understand and apply the new Professional Standards. Licensees’ participation and review of the learning modules and aggregate results of the Professional Standards quiz will also inform the ongoing design of CCHPBC’s unified QAP, components of which are planned to be introduced in December 2026.

Before any transitional activities begin, licensees will be notified with instructions and opportunities for learning and support that will assist with the transition.

Timeline of development

February 18, 2026
Existing programs conclude
Existing program requirements for CCHPBC licensees conclude.
April 2026
Transitional activities begin
Licensees begin learning modules that introduce the College’s harmonized Professional Standards.
Fall 2026
Professional Standards quiz
Licensees complete a quiz on the College’s harmonized Professional Standards. 
December 2026 onward
;
Introduction to phased implementation of unified Quality Assurance Program
Components of the unified quality assurance program are introduced in a phased approach. 

More Questions and answers:

Should licensees complete the requirements of existing Quality Assurance Programs (QAP)?
Licensees no longer need to complete requirements from existing QAPs. This includes Continuing Education (CE), the Practice Development Program (PDP), the Practice Support Program (PSP), or required courses.

While licensees will not be required to report to the College the number of hours and credits of professional development completed, CCHPBC continues to encourage licensees to engage in regular learning activities to support the maintenance and improvement of their professional knowledge, skills, and competencies in the provision of safe and ethical care.

Do non-practising licensees still have to complete outstanding quality assurance requirements from existing Quality Assurance Programs (QAP)?
If non-practising licensees are returning to practising status, they must complete any outstanding quality assurance requirements from their respective existing QAP.
Are licensees required to report anything during the transition to the unified Quality Assurance Program (QAP)?
Participation in and review of transitional activities is highly encouraged as licensees will complete a quiz on the College’s harmonized Professional Standards in the fall 2026 to gauge understanding and application of the new standards.
Will continuing education (CE) hours from existing Quality Assurance Programs (QAP) transfer to the unified QAP?
Continuing education (CE) hours from existing QAPs will not transfer to the unified QAP. Licensees will not be penalized if they have not met their required hours in their existing QAP. 

The use of CE hours or credits as a measure of continued competency is not supported by current research. Licensees will not be asked to report on CE hours or credits in the unified QAP. Licensees are encouraged to continue to engage in regular continuing professional development activities to maintain and improve their professional knowledge, skills and competencies. 

Will licensees still have access to existing portals for submitting quality assurance requirements?
Licensees will not be required to submit any quality assurance activities that they may have completed in the existing quality assurance programs. As of April 1, 2026, licensees will no longer be able to submit quality assurance requirements in their existing portals.
What will the unified Quality Assurance Program (QAP) look like?
The unified QAP is being designed to support CCHPBC’s role as a multi-profession regulator, comply with the requirements of the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), and align with principles of right-touch and risk-based regulation. The program will take an evidence-based and person-centered approach to supporting licensee competence, assessment, and professional development, with a focus on promoting safe, ethical, and effective care for patients and the public.

The unified QAP will be grounded in current research and regulatory best practices, with a shift towards reflective practice and continuous improvement rather than prescriptive or purely credit-based learning requirements. Evidence-based learning activities and assessments, and quality improvement processes will be used to support licensees in maintaining competence across diverse practice contexts.

The unified QAP will align with CCHPBC’s harmonized Professional Standards. These standards establish consistent expectations across all regulated professions and reflect shared principles of quality, safety, professionalism, and person-centered care. As the program is further designed and developed, CCHPBC will continue to refine its approach based on evidence, feedback, and ongoing evaluation of the program to ensure the QAP remains responsive, proportionate, and effective.

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