An acupuncturist based in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, has been suspended for a period of two months following an investigation by a regulatory college. The college discovered that the acupuncturist, Katie Johnston, had prescribed ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medication commonly used in animals, to her patients without the necessary authorization. Additionally, Johnston had also prescribed fenbendazole, another animal dewormer not approved for human use by Health Canada.
The College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia initiated the investigation into Johnston’s actions in April 2025. The college determined that Johnston had engaged in misconduct by prescribing medications and recommending oral products that fell outside the scope of her regulated practice.
According to a consent order released by the college, Johnston failed to properly document prescription information and ongoing monitoring for patients who received fenbendazole and ivermectin. Furthermore, it was found that Johnston had performed point injection therapies, a practice beyond her authorized scope, and had tampered with patient records following notification of the investigation by the college.
Acknowledging her misconduct, Johnston signed the consent order agreeing to a two-month suspension of her practice. She has also committed to completing professional courses on ethical conduct and record-keeping in healthcare. Additionally, Johnston consented to random audits of her acupuncture practice over the next year.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of ivermectin in Canada due to false claims suggesting its efficacy in treating the virus. While ivermectin is safe for human use when prescribed by qualified healthcare providers, it can have interactions with other medications and may not be suitable for individuals with specific health conditions.
