The College of Acupuncturists of Alberta regulates acupuncturists in Alberta in the public interest.
Acupuncturists are primary care practitioners providing safe collaborative care for the health and wellness of Albertans.
To protect Albertans by establishing and upholding professional standards for acupuncturists through regulatory excellence.
Prioritize being honest and authentic above all else.
Believe that if we are not getting better, we are not moving forward.
Be the catalyst that creates change.
Be motivated by making others stronger.
Know that we can raise the bar higher together than any one person can alone.
Colleges and Associations exist for very different reasons, and each functions differently in terms of purpose. One is not interchangeable for another. A regulated profession benefits when both entities co-exist and work together to fulfill their primary goals.
| College | Association | |
|---|---|---|
| Membership | Mandatory | Voluntary |
| Accountability | Accountable to the government | Accountable to its members |
| Primary goal | Achieve mandate to protect the public | Act in the best interest of its members and advocate on behalf of the profession they represent |
| Legislative compliance | Govern regulated members according to legislation and bylaws. | No regulatory authority |
| Competence | Sets the standards for competence requirements. Runs a continuing competence program. | Free to offer professional development opportunities to support their members in their pursuit of competent and ethical practice. |
| Ethics | Sets the standards for ethical practice. Authorized to receive complaints from the public of alleged unprofessional conduct against regulated members, and can take disciplinary action when necessary. | Free to offer professional development opportunities to support their members in their pursuit of competent and ethical practice. |
| Protected title | Authorizes use of protected title (i.e. Doctor of Acupuncture) | Cannot authorize use of a protected title |
| Advocacy | Not permitted to advocate for the profession | Free to focus on advocacy and promotion of the profession, including such issues as public awareness and professional image. |
The College of Acupuncturists of Alberta operates under the authority of the following Alberta legislation.
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