NHPC has provided Alberta Blue Cross with a list of Massage Therapy members who meet the 2200 hours of training. Documents of qualification do not need to be provided to Alberta Blue Cross by members as this information has already been confirmed with NHPC.

The Alberta Blue Cross deadline for 2200-hour competency equivalency will be implemented in May 2013. The information of qualifying members will also be provided directly to Alberta Blue Cross at this time. No further action is required from NHPC members.

City of Calgary Changes Massage Bylaw & Adopts NHPC’s Collaborative Model

Over the past several months, NHPC has been in discussions with the City of Calgary on the revision of their "Massage Bylaw" and had proposed that the City of Calgary adopt NHPC's "collaborative model". In the past, NHPC members have been lumped in the same category as exotic dancers and escorts when applying for business licenses.

The NHPC's "collaborative model" has now been passed by Calgary City Council, meaning that NHPC members in Calgary, AB, will no longer be licensed in the same way as exotic dancers and escorts.

This is very exciting news for NHPC and its members, because it means that the City of Calgary has trusted NHPC to validate authenticity of its members as qualified health care professionals. Because NHPC has requirements to become a member, including a detailed application, criminal record check, graduation from a recognized school or program, and mandatory compliance with the Continued Competency Program (CCP), it is in the position to qualify members as healthcare professionals.

Details on the new bylaw are currently being worked out between the NHPC and the City of Calgary.

Background
The Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) works with municipal administrators and elected officials to ensure the advancement of professions represented by the NHPC.

NHPC has been proposing that municipalities across Canada adopt a "Collaborative Model for Business Licensing of Natural Health Care". This municipal "collaborative model" provides the best possible public protection by capturing the recognition of all professionals working as natural health practitioners—including those who are members of a regulatory college and those who are members of a municipally recognized professional association.

Additionally, as it should be, the "collaborative model" removes municipalities from the responsibility of "credentialing" professionals and places that responsibility with regulatory bodies or associations.

For more information, contact Kathy Watson by email at kwatson@nhpcanada.org or by phone at 780-484-2010 or (toll-free) 1-888-711-7701.

Important Insurance Industry Bulletin

Manulife & Alberta Blue Cross Moving to '2200-hour' Requirement

In the coming year, Alberta Blue Cross and Manulife Insurance will join SunLife Insurance in adopting a policy that requires Massage Therapy providers to have 2200 hours of formal education or a 2200-hour competency equivalency.

This means that only health benefit receipts from Massage Therapy practitioners with '2200 hours' of initial training or a 2200-hour competency equivalency will be accepted by these health benefit providers.

• Manulife will require this standard as of October 1, 2012  
• Alberta Blue Cross will require this standard as of May 1, 2013

NHPC continues to monitor this issue and will advise members should other third-party payers adopt similar standards.

Transitioning Massage Therapists in Changing Environments

To meet the 2200-hour training requirement, NHPC is creating recognition solutions & career options for massage therapists who do not have 2200 hours of formal education.

MTCAP Redevelopment

A key component of NHPC’s approach is to redevelop the Massage Therapy Competency Assessment Process (MTCAP), which was reviewed at its one-year anniversary.

The review included consultations with relevant Canadian insurance companies, and the results indicated that MTCAP had to be made more robust to meet Manulife and Alberta Blue Cross requirements.

The redeveloped process will be called the Competency Equivalency Exam (CEE), to be better reflect its purpose and format.

CEE: Competency Equivalency Exam

NHPC hopes to complete development of the CEE by the end of Summer 2012 and begin implementation immediately thereafter ahead of Manulife's October 1, 2012 deadline. Processing NHPC Massage Therapy members who choose to participate in the CEE is expected to run through late Spring 2013.

Any NHPC Massage Therapy member who does not have 2200 hours of initial training and who wishes to be recognized by Manulife Insurance and Alberta Blue Cross will need to apply to NHPC for the CEE designation.

CEE Questions & Answers

Note: The Competency Equivalency Exam does not apply in provinces that have regulated the profession of Massage Therapy (Ontario, BC, and Newfoundland & Labrador). In those provinces, the colleges determine who can practice Massage Therapy.

We're Here to Help

NHPC will support members who choose to take part in the CEE, from initial inquiry to approval. This support includes providing online and in-person CEE preparatory workshops.

These changes are expected to resolve any issues that NHPC members are experiencing with Manulife and Alberta Blue Cross regarding their 2200-hour training requirement.

In order to answer any questions you may have on the CEE, NHPC has put the following processes in place:

1. Online CEE meetings, "Positioning You for Success" will provide a short presentation on the CEE and then open up to a Question and Answer period.
   • Sunday, June 24th: 2 PM MDT
   Visit the Centre for Learning to register or for more information on these online meetings.
2. Watch a recording of the June 13th, 2012 recording below.
3. If you have additional questions or concerns following your participation in one of the above online meetings, contact cee@nhpcanada.org
4. To view the IJ Doc, the model our CEE will be developed against, click here.
5. If you are not satisfied with the support you are getting by email or if you do not use email, please contact Eric Morin, Industry Relations Manager, by phone, at 780-484-2010 ext. 267 or (toll free) at 1-888-711-7701.

Holistic Health and Fitness Tax Credit

Now is the time

In January, representatives from Natural Health Practitioners of Canada met with the Honourable Fred Horne, Alberta's Minister of Health and Wellness.

The intent of the meeting was to gauge the Minister's views on an NHPC proposed $1500 Holistic Health and Fitness Tax Credit. Minister Horne stated that the Holistic Health & Fitness Tax Credit (HHFTC) is "a brilliant idea".

Although the far-reaching economic/cost benefit research has yet to be completed, NHPC is has begun the process of facilitating a Holistic Health & Fitness Tax Credit for Alberta and all Canadian provinces.

Representatives from NHPC will be meeting with provincial Health Ministers to demonstrate how natural health practices complete wellness initiatives and to advocate for a $1500 Holistic Health & Fitness Tax Credit in all Canadian jurisdictions.

In the next few weeks, NHPC will launch the 'Holistic Health & Fitness Tax Credit' campaign. This campaign will provide members and their clients with tools to help make this tax credit a reality.

Imagine the possibilities if Canadians are provided with better access to natural health modalities...join the campaign and help bring about this change. Stay tuned!

Read the original story for more information on the Holistic Health & Fitness Tax Credit proposal.
 

Exciting News for Massage Therapists from Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans Affairs Canada has altered the benefit for Massage Therapy for its members. Effective January 1, 2012, the existing code which included $800 per calendar year has increased to 15 one-hour sessions per calendar year.

For first time members accessing the benefit, pre-authorization is required. In most cases, a veteran will only need to provide verification that a physician’s prescription has been obtained on a yearly basis. Please advise Massage Therapy clients to request authorization for additional sessions as soon as it is evident it will be required.

Members may direct their inquiries to their regional Blue Cross office by calling toll free 1-888-261-4033. A message of thanks is relayed from the Veterans Affairs Canada for the ongoing care and service Massage Therapists provide to our Veterans.

For more information, see the Frequency Change Notice (PDF) from Veterans Affairs Canada.