Abstract
Objective : This study aims to investigate legal and regulatory status of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) focusing on regulation on health practitioners and health practice in 33 countries. Method : 33 countries were selected based on several factors such as interest of Korean medical doctors, strategic importance, and distribution over the world. The questionnaire was distributed to Korean embassies in 33 countries in March 2014 through Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the answers from those countries were collected from April to September. 24 countries that provided sufficient information were included in the analysis. Results : 18 countries have law or regulation on T&CM. Only five countries regulate T&CM practitioners as medical personnel or health practitioner by law, and 12 countries have regulation on license or certificate. Half of 24 countries recognize license of T&CM practitioners issued abroad. There are nine countries that recognize T&CM practice as medical practice, and four of them regulate acupuncture as medical practice by western medical doctors or a few health practitioners recognized by the government. There are six countries that do not recognize T&CM practice as medical practice by law, but regulate it as practice that affect public health, and these countries have law or regulation on T&CM. Conclusion : As T&CM have great impact on public health, many countries have recently legislated law or regulation on T&CM. Rapid change in regulatory status of T&CM affects globalization of Korean medicine. Thus, development of timely strategies will be essential for it.