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Statutory regulation of herbal medicine and acupuncture: Report on the consultation

In March 2004, the Department of Health consulted on proposals to regulate herbal medicine and acupuncture practitioners. The consultation period  closed in June 2004. The Department has analysed the responses received and is now pleased to launch a report on the consultation. The Department of Health plans to publish draft legislation for further consultation in autumn 2005.

Over 1000 copies of the consultation were distributed to interested individuals and organisations and a total 698 responses were received to the consultation. The majority of the responses indicated strong support for the introduction of statutory regulation, in order to ensure patient and public protection. Key areas of debate included the type and name of the proposed regulatory Council, protected titles, collaborative regulation and the composition of the council.

• Download Statutory regulation of herbal medicine and acupuncture: Report on the consultation (PDF, 140K)
• Regulation of herbal medicine and acupuncture - Proposals for statutory regulation : Original consultation