National Institute of Medical Herbalists

Update on Regulation

Following publication of the Steering Group Report (http://www.nimh.org.uk/news-and-events/news-and-press/electronic-copies) in May last year the NIMH has been waiting for a response from Government.

Minister Ben Bradshaw informed us that Government would be considering regulation of herbalists in the light of the work of another group – the Extending Professional Regulation Working Group.  This group were due to report towards the end of last year but to date it has not yet been published.  We understand that the report is now with ministers awaiting approval and should be released for publication shortly.

Both the NIMH and the representative body, the European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA), have been lobbying very hard and extensively to get a favourable mention for herbal medicine and a reference to the work of the Steering Group included in their report.  This is in line with Government objectives of a cohesive and comprehensive approach to review and reform of healthcare provision.

We expect a positive outcome from the report of the Extending Professional Regulation Working Group and also expect that the Department of Health will move ahead quite quickly on publication of the report.

We will of course be keeping members of the public updated as soon as we hear any further information.  

National Institute of Medical Herbalists
8 June 2009