Regulation of complementary medicine practitioners in Australia: Chinese medicine as a case example.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) forms a significant part of the health economy. CAM practices are under increased scrutiny from consumers, clinicians, scientists and regulators. Australian authorities have explored a range of regulatory approaches. This paper outlines initiatives to regulate the practice of CAM in Australia and examines relevant issues with a particular focus on the registration of Chinese medicine practitioners in the State of Victoria.

Risks associated with the practice of traditional Chinese medicine: an Australian study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nature and frequency of adverse events that occur as a result of the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine) in Australia. METHODS: Data on adverse events were obtained as part of a comprehensive survey of all occupational health groups, government-registered and unregistered, who practiced traditional Chinese medicine or 1 of its main modalities. RESULTS: Practitioners reported numerous adverse events arising from the application of acupuncture (including fainting, nausea and vomiting, and increased pain), or the consumption of Chinese herbal medicines (including direct toxic effects and allergic reactions). Practitioners experienced an average of 1 adverse event every 8 to 9 months of full-time practice or 1 adverse event for every 633 consultations. The mean adverse event rate of nonmedical practitioners was less than half the mean adverse event rate of medical practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: The practices of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are not risk-free and fatalities have occurred. Variation in adverse event rates between medical and nonmedical practitioners may reflect differences in relevant education or different reporting behaviors. These data represent the first step in the evaluation of adverse event rates in traditional Chinese medicine. Arch Fam Med. 2000;9:1071-1078