NEW LAW SPARKS THE EXPECTATION OVER THE FUTURE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE: CAN TCM LAW EFFECTIVELY PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF TCM INDUSTRY IN CHINA?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a style of traditional medicine built on a foundation of nearly 2,500 years of Chinese medical practice. After 30 year's preparation, China's top legislature National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) passed a new law on TCM at the end of 2016 to give TCM industry a bigger role in medical system. This new law puts TCM and Western medicine on equal footing in China, with better training for TCM professionals and TCM and Western medicine learning from and complementing each other in various aspects. Nevertheless, dilemmas still exist on recordation system, practitioner assessment regulations, management, and international accreditation. Regarding these sensitive issues, how could new Law face challenges? This paper will discuss its characters and advantages, whilst pointing out legislative deficiencies in the context of TCM globalization and long-term industry development. Finally, a conclusion will be given to better facilitate its revision.