The Legislative Process and Implications of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Australia

Australia is the first Western country to recognize the legal status of traditional Chinese medicine by legislation. In the process of legalization of traditional Chinese medicine, Australia went through three stages: an early period of disorder, a period of regeneration and consolidation, and a formal legislation period, which created a precedent for the overall legislation of traditional Chinese medicine. Institutionally, traditional Chinese medicine legislation in Australia has been supported by the national government, in terms of content, it reflects parity between traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, as well as between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, procedurally, it has become increasingly standardized and systematized. The legislative process and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine in Australia indicate that advancing legalization requires the leadership of the national government, relies on institutional organizations to ensure implementation, and establishes overall legislative objectives. Simultaneously, corresponding measures should be taken in light of the differences in national systems and legal frameworks to promote the legislative process of traditional Chinese medicine, providing a reference for its integration into the mainstream Western medical system.