Chinese Medicine to be included under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003)

The New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine welcomed the recent announcement from the Ministry of Health that Chinese Medicine was to be included under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003), bringing Chinese Medicine practitioners in line with other allied health professionals in New Zealand.

“This is a big step forward in the recognition of the value of treatment from more than 1,000 Chinese medicine and acupuncture practitioners across New Zealand,” said Tony Gan, CEO of the NZ School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand will soon be set up to regulate the entire Chinese medicine profession which is currently being self-regulated by government-recognised industry associations.

With the Chinese Medicine Council coming into place, only health practitioners who are registered under the Act are able to use the titles protected by the Act or claim to be practising a profession that is regulated by the Act. This is to protect the health and safety of members of the public.

“Our school is committed to providing quality education for people who are aspired to become a Chinese Medicine and/or acupuncture practitioner. We will continue to equip our learners with the knowledge and skills to be a competent health practitioner to meet the increasing demand on acupuncture treatment in the country,” said Tony.

Founded in 1989, the New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is the oldest education institution in New Zealand focusing on Chinese medicine and acupuncture.