Regulatory body proposed for acupuncturists and herbalists

The United Kingdom could have its own regulatory body for acupuncturists and herbal medicine practitioners in the next two years if new government proposals outlined last week are agreed.

The move was prompted by the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology, which in November 2000 recommended statutory regulation for acupuncturists and herbal medicine practitioners, an estimated 4000 of whom are not regulated by other bodies.

The proposals, which are out for consultation until 7 June, include the establishment of a complementary and alternative medicine council, covering all four countries …