As part of the new bylaws coming into effect on April 1, 2026, under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), the College will be discontinuing several certifications currently available to naturopathic physicians. This update is intended to help registrants understand what is changing, who may be affected, and how the transition will work.
Certifications Being Discontinued
The following certifications will be discontinued effective April 1, 2026:
- Certification – acupuncture
- Certification – advanced injection therapies
- Certification – aesthetic procedures – cosmetic botulinum toxin
- Certification – aesthetic procedures – injectable fillers
- Certification – aesthetic procedures – PRP injections to the face and other skin areas for aesthetic purposes
- Certification – botulinum toxin: medical/non-cosmetic
- Certification – immunization
- Certification – intrauterine device (IUD) insertion & removal
- Certification – iv therapy and iv & chelation therapies
- Certification – ozone & oxidative therapies
Who is affected
This change may affect:
- Registrants planning to begin practicing within one of these scopes before March 31, 2026
- Registrants currently practicing under one or more of the certifications listed above
- Registrants who may wish to practice within these areas in the future
Why These Certifications Are Being Discontinued
Under the proposed HPOA bylaws, registrants will be able to practice within the scope associated with these certifications without holding a separate certification. In other words, certification will no longer be the mechanism used to authorize these areas of practice once the new bylaws come into force.
Transition Information for Registrants
For registrants not currently holding a certification
Registrants who do not currently hold one of the listed certifications, but wish to practice within that scope before March 31, 2026, may apply for the relevant certification. Any certification granted during this period will remain valid only until March 31, 2026.
For registrants currently holding a certification
Registrants who already hold one or more of the listed certifications will not renew those certifications during the March 31, 2026 renewal cycle. At that point, the certifications will expire.
For future practice after April 1, 2026
As of April 1, 2026, registrants may practice within the scope of these formerly certified activities without holding a certification, provided they meet all applicable professional and practice standards to ensure the provision of safe patient care. More guidance will be available leading up to April 1, 2026.
Important Reminder About Prescriptive Authority
Registrants are reminded that certification in Prescriptive Authority is not affected by these changes. Registrants who plan to prescribe drugs must continue to hold Prescriptive Authority Certification both before and after March 31, 2026.
For questions related to scope of practice or how these changes may apply to individual practice circumstances, registrants are encouraged to contact Practice Support at PracticeSupport@cchpbc.ca or by calling 604-742-6670, then pressing 2 followed by 1. Please select the option that corresponds to the relevant profession.
