National herbalists support regulation
The National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) comes out firmly in support of the former President of the AMA, Dr Kerryn Phelps’ in her call for the regulation of natural therapists.
“In the current legal climate, anybody may claim to be a herbalist or a naturopath without any training at all and there is no way for the public to distinguish between a qualified practitioner and a layperson.” says John Baxter, president of the association.
“We have urged successive governments to regulate the professions of herbal medicine and naturopathy to protect the public.”
Professional regulation and registration of naturopaths and herbalists is long overdue and NHAA support the call by Professor Kerryn Phelps former President of the AMA “that natural medicine deserves the same level of government regulation as other health professionals like optometrists, dentists or doctors”.
Phelps is the current president of the Australian Integrative Medical Association, an organisation that promotes integration of alternative and conventional medicine.
Author and expert in complementary medicines, Dr Lesley Braun explains “Nearly three quarters of the Australian public use complementary medicine products. They have the right to demand and expect these products be safe, quality medicines they can feel confident about using. The public also has a right to expect the herbalists and naturopaths they consult to be well trained, ethical and able to provide safe and appropriate advice.
“Currently there are no regulations ensuring this happens. Regulation of Western herbalists and naturopaths is required to safeguard the public and ensure they receive professional advice from trained practitioners instead of playing Russian roulette with their health”.
The NHAA is in full support of regulation. In the current climate of Federal health system changes it is important to look after the public and ensure that their safety and medical needs
are met.
The NHAA is Australia’s leading professional herbalist association and works closely with government and Industry bodies to promote professional standards in herbal medicine and naturopathy.
