Our vision is a healthcare system where every qualified traditional medicine practitioner, whether self-regulated or registered, is respected, accountable, and empowered to deliver safe, high-quality care.”— Annie Gibbins, CEO, ATMS
Key Responsibilities:
• Registration and renewal
• Enforcement of professional standards
• Investigation of complaints and misconduct
3.2 Therapeutic Goods Administration( TGA) The TGA is part of the Department of Health and is responsible for regulating medicines, medical devices, and complementary healthcare products.
Key Responsibilities:
• Pre-market assessment and approval
• Post-market surveillance and safety alerts
• Enforcement of regulatory compliance
3.3 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission( ACCC) The ACCC monitors health-related advertising and ensures businesses comply with consumer law.
Key Responsibilities:
• Preventing misleading health product claims
• Enforcing the Australian Consumer Law( ACL)
• Supporting informed consumer choice
3.4 National Health and Medical Research Council( NHMRC) The NHMRC supports health research and provides national evidencebased guidelines for practitioners and policymakers.
Key Responsibilities:
• Granting research funding
• Issuing clinical practice guidelines
• Shaping national health strategies
4. Self-Regulated Professions and the Role of ATMS 4.1 The National Code for Unregulated Professions Many healthcare professions not covered under NRAS are self- regulated. These practitioners are bound by the National Code of Conduct for Healthcare Workers, which sets baseline standards for safe and ethical care.
Implementation Status( as of July 2025):
• Enacted: NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, ACT, WA,
• Passed but pending proclamation: TAS( 2024) Not yet enacted: NT
4.2 ATMS and the Importance of Self-Regulation The Australian Traditional Medicine Society( ATMS) represents practitioners across a diverse range of modalities. Some are AHPRA-registered; others operate under self-regulation, governed by ATMS’ stringent Code of Conduct and ethical requirements.
ATMS-supported modalities include:
• Acupuncture( AHPRA-regulated)
• Aromatherapy
• Ayurvedic Medicine
• Bowen Therapy
• Chinese Herbal Medicine( AHPRAregulated)
• Chinese Massage
• Counselling
• Chiropractic( AHPRA-regulated)
• Herbal Medicine
• Homeopathy
• Hypnotherapy
• Kinesiology
• Myotherapy
• Naturopathy
• Nutrition
• Osteopathy( AHPRA-regulated)
• Reflexology
• Massage Therapy
• Remedial Massage
• Shiatsu
• Thai Massage
ATMS ensures all members, regardless of regulatory status, practise safely, ethically, and professionally. Members are required to undertake CPD, hold current insurance, and adhere to clinical and professional standards.
4.3 ATMS Code of Conduct The ATMS Code of Conduct aligns with national expectations and mandates a high standard of care.
Key Principles:
• Safe & Ethical Practice – Practice within scope and competence.
• Infectious Conditions – Modify or pause care when unwell.
• No False Claims – No unsubstantiated or misleading therapeutic claims.
• Infection Control – Maintain hygiene and follow regulations.
• Respect for Other Practitioners – Promote collaborative care.
• Fitness to Practice – Avoid impairment from substances or illness. No Financial Exploitation – Ethical billing and service delivery.
• Evidence-Based Practice – Treatment must have clinical justification. Transparency – Be honest about qualifications and services.
• Professional Boundaries – Avoid personal relationships with clients. Accurate Record Keeping – Maintain complete and secure notes.
• Professional Insurance – Maintain appropriate indemnity coverage. Privacy Protection – Comply with relevant privacy laws.
• Public Display – Display the Code and complaint processes in clinic and online.
This Code safeguards clients, protects the reputation of the profession, and demonstrates the leadership of ATMS in upholding national standards.
5. Conclusion
Australia’ s health regulatory framework is designed to protect patients, guide professional behaviour, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, ethical healthcare.
ATMS plays a vital role in representing self-regulated professions and ensuring its members uphold nationally recognised standards. Through active self-regulation, professional development, and a robust Code of Conduct, ATMS members continue to deliver trusted care within an evolving healthcare landscape.
Understanding this framework empowers ATMS practitioners to remain compliant, credible, and confident contributors to Australia’ s healthcare future.
JATMS | Spring 2025 | 173