Update on Acupuncture Practice in Ontario and Employee SunLife Coverage

The profession of practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture is regulated in Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Quebec. In these provinces, a licence to practise this profession is required from the appropriate regulatory body.

For acupuncturist services provided in Ontario, beginning in April 2013, only acupuncturists meeting the regulatory requirements for practising acupuncture in Ontario will be eligible providers for claims reimbursement from Sun Life. 

You can determine whether your practitioner meets the regulatory requirements by visiting the website of The Transitional Council of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario at www.ctcmpao.on.ca.  Click on,  "Looking for a TCM Practitioner/Acupuncturist" and then scroll to the bottom of the "Online Member Registry" page and you will find the search function; you can either enter a practitioner's details to see if they are registered; or you can enter the city to see who in the city is registered.

It is important to note that even though past claims from an acupuncturist may have been covered, future claims from the same practitioner will be declined if the acupuncturist is not registered and recognized by the College.

If you receive treatment from an acupuncturist in Ontario on or after April 1, 2013, please first check with your provider to see if they have registered with the College in their province.

If you have any questions please call the Sun Life Customer Care Centre at 1-800-361-6212, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.