Regulation of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background

Some years ago, the Government instituted a review of the regulation of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. A series of working parties explored the issues, and in 2010, just before the general election, the Government indicated that it had abandoned plans for Statutory Regulation of Acupuncture [SR]. It further advised that it intended to continue with plans to regulate Herbal Medicine & Chinese Medicine. Following the general election of May 2010, the new Government advised that it intended to take the same line on the regulation of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as its predecessor.

Government Statement

The Secretary of State for Health, Mr. Andrew Lansley, made a statement in the House of Commons on 16th February 2011 in which he gave details of the Government's approach to the regulation of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM]. Full details of his announcement were given in a written Ministerial Statement, which is available for download.

Effect on the Practice of Acupuncture by Health Professionals who are subject to Statutory Regulation

The announcement has a significant effect on Health Professionals who are already subject to statutory regulation, such as Physiotherapists, as there will be no separate regulation of practitioners who are allowed to practise Acupuncture. The CSP advise that "Physiotherapists need only to be [members of] HPC and can include Acupuncture in their scope of practice if they have had appropriate training. ...." Similar advice will apply also to other health professions already subject to statutory regulation such as Medical Doctors, Nurses, Osteopaths and Podiatrists.

Effect on other Practitioners of Acupuncture

Those practising Acupuncture, who are not already subject to statutory regulation will have to consult their respective membership organisations about the measures being taken for self-regulation, under the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council [CNHC].

Effect on Herbal Medicine & Chinese Medicine

The Government is proceeding with the introduction of statutory regulation of Chinese Medicine Practitioners and an outline of the process is included in the Ministerial Statement above. It is intended to have this regulation in place by 2012.

~ Physiotherapy ~ Chiropody ~ Acupuncture ~ Counselling ~ Homeopathy ~ Women's Health ~ Chronic Pain ~
~ Sports Injuries ~ PPP ~ Pilates ~ Pain Relief ~ Back Pain ~ Infertility ~ Hypnotherapy ~ Lower Back Pain ~
~ Stress ~ Clinical Psychology ~ Manipulation ~ Podiatry ~ Care ~ Back Care ~ Physio ~ Tennis Elbow ~
~ Kimbolton ~ Anxiety ~ Depression ~ Ultrasound Scanning ~ Foot ~ Yoga ~ Massage Therapy ~ Bedford ~
~ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ~ BUPA ~ Feet ~ Foot Pain ~ Cambourne ~ Cambridge ~ Cambridgeshire ~
~ Acupuncture Back Pain ~ Health Insurance ~ Bedfordshire ~ ache ~ St Neots ~ Acupressure ~ Orthotics ~
~ Cranio Sacral Therapy ~ Buckden ~ Acupressure ~ Fascia ~ Muscle ~ Medical Insurance ~ Lower Back Pain ~
~ Neck Pain ~ Sports Massage ~ Chartered Physiotherapists ~ Acupuncturists ~ Chinese Medicine ~

Consultative Support

Jennie Longbottom, the Practice Principal offers an E-Mail Consultancy Service. This service is for patients who require advice on an illness or dysfunction and are not sure whether the services offered at Parks are the correct treatment option.

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Parks Therapy Centre


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