Should Herbal Medicine Practitioners Be Regulated in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Official title: Amendment to the Health Professions Act and Acupuncturists Regulations
Newfoundland and Labrador wants to expand regulation of traditional Chinese medicine beyond acupuncture to include herbal medicine. Right now, acupuncturists must be registered and meet competency standards. The province is asking whether herbal medicine practitioners should face similar requirements.
Why This Matters
Use traditional Chinese herbal remedies? This could change who's allowed to prescribe them. Regulation might mean higher standards and safer practice. But it could also limit access if fewer practitioners qualify.
What Could Change
Herbal medicine practitioners in Newfoundland and Labrador may need to register, meet competency standards, and obtain licenses. The Health Professions Act and Acupuncturists Regulations would be amended to include herbal medicine under the traditional Chinese medicine umbrella.
Key Issues
- Should herbal medicine practitioners be required to register and meet competency standards?
- How would regulation affect access to traditional Chinese herbal medicine?
How to Participate
- Complete the online questionnaire (requires registration on EngageNL).
- Submit written feedback by email to tcmfeedback@gov.nl.ca or by mail to Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Department of Health and Community Services, 1st Floor, West Block, Confederation Building, P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NL A1B 4J6.