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An acupuncturist in Dawson Creek, B.C., has been suspended for two months after a regulatory college found she prescribed ivermectin to her patients without having the authority to do so.
In addition to prescribing ivermectin — an anti-parasitic medicine commonly used in animals — Katie Johnston also prescribed fenbendazole, another animal dewormer which is not approved for human consumption by Health Canada.
According to a consent order posted by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C., the investigation into Johnston first began in April 2025.
The college said she committed misconduct by prescribing medicines in-clinic and recommending oral products, which were outside her regulated scope of practice.
In the consent order, the college said Johnston failed to “record prescription information and any ongoing monitoring for patients who were provided with [fenbendazole] and [ivermectin].”
The regulator added that the acupuncturist also performed point injection therapies, which was outside her scope of practice, and altered patient records after she was served an investigation notice by the college.
Johnston acknowledged she engaged in misconduct, in signing the consent order, and her practice will be suspended for two months as a result.
She has agreed to complete a number of professional courses, regarding ethical conduct and documenting health-care records, and also consented to random audits of her acupuncture practice over the next year.
Ivermectin faced a shortage in Canada at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, amid false claims the anti-parasitic medication could be used to treat the virus.
While it is safe for human use when prescribed by a health-care professional, ivermectin can interact with other medication or be inappropriate for people with certain health conditions.