HISTORY of BCTTN

The formation of the BCTTN had its beginnings in June of 1996 when a small group of interested TT practitioners met with Mary Simpson from the Ontario Therapeutic Touch Network to discuss the idea of starting a Network in B.C. On January 20, 1997, the British Columbia Therapeutic Touch Network was formally identified as an entity when it had an approved mandate and a Steering Committee formed by volunteers who assumed various committee positions. It now consists of a full executive and a representative from each of 10 regions around the province.

In November 1997, BCTTN joined with Atlantic, Alberta and Ontario Network Coordinators and other executive members to represent their memberships in the development of a national network to be called Therapeutic Touch Canada.

The Registered Nurses Association of B.C.(RNABC) does not yet have a formal position on Therapeutic Touch however the therapy may be seen to be consistent with the practice of nursing when viewed as one of the intervention strategies nurses use in their practice. The Nurses Registered Act states: "practice of nursing"means: the performance for others of health care services which require the application of professional nursing knowledge and skills and includes:

1. promoting, maintaining or restoring the health of the general public
2. teaching nursing theory or practice
3. counselling persons in respect of health care
4. coordinating health care services, and
5. engaging in the administration, supervision, education, consultation, teaching or research for any of the foregoing

Nurses are obligated to gain consent for the treatment they provide as is outlined in the RNABC Position Statement on Informed Consent as found on the internet http://www.rnabc.bc.ca

Achieving BCTTN Recognised Practitioner Status

A.  Relationship with the British Columbia Therapeutic Touch Network

The Recognized Practitioner:

1. Is a member in good standing with commitment to BCTTN.
2. Agrees to follow BCTTN Guidelines for Therapeutic TouchÔ.
3. Has signed the BCTTN Code of Ethics statement.
4. Participates in bi-annual TT up-dates e.g. TT retreats, conferences etc.
5. Gives feedback to other members documenting in their TT Practitioner Workbook.

B.   TT Education and practice requirements

The applicant for the Recognized Practitioner status:

Basic Education: Has successfully completed Therapeutic Touch™ courses, Level 1, 2 and 3 (Minimum: 36 hours over 1 year or longer) with a  Canadian/ NH-PAI recognised TT teacher.

Practice:  Has practiced TT for at least one year following completing Level 3 (average 6 sessions per month).  Participates regularly in a TT practice group or mentorship process (where possible)

Continuing Studies: Has completed an additional 20 hours of TT related studies e.g. repeated Level 2 or 3 with a different teacher, attended BCTTN practice days or retreats,  National TT conference, Orcas Island TT intensive or mentorship course.

(Note BCTTN: 36hrs basic + 20 hrs continuing studies = 56 hrs

TTNO: 24Hrs basic + 32 Hrs continuing studies = 55hrs  i.e. BCTTN & TTNO are equivalent)

Practitioner workbook: documents 72 case studies.

Maintaining Recognized Practitioner Status

Education:   16 hours of TT studies over 2 years.

TT Activities:  2+ per year e.g. TT workshops, volunteer activities, committee participation, TT articles.

Practice:  6 sessions / month performed and documented.Receive TT, self-evaluation & TT reading.  Give feedback to members who are working towards Recognised Practitioner status.

Fees:

Initial application: $20 + $ 40 membership = $ 60

Seniors $20 + $30 membership = $50

Renewal: $10 + $40 membership =$50 annually

Seniors $10 + $30 membership = $40  annually

It is important to acknowledge that not all members will choose to work towards the Recognised Practitioner status; this is a choice that may be suited to volunteers or professionals working in health care agencies or people in private practice.