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This FAQ relates to the Guidelines for safe practice of Chinese herbal medicine.
Yes. And you need to use the authorised pin yin as found in the Herbal Nomenclature Compendium of commonly used Chinese herbs, commissioned by the Board and published...
No, except when the scientific name is required to clarify potential ambiguity, or if you prefer to use this as well as the pin yin.
No, it must be accompanied by the pin yin name. Other members of the healthcare team, or the patient or carer, who do not understand Chinese characters, may need to know what herbs the patient is using.
Yes.
Generally no, but maybe in exceptional circumstances (see section 3.4 of the guidelines).
Yes. (See section 7 and Appendix 7 of the guidelines for further details).
No. Reporting adverse events is designed to improve quality assurance in healthcare. It is a public health safety system designed to identify unusual but important side effects. It is not used to penalise people who report it.
No. If the dispenser has questions they should consult the prescriber.
No. If the dispenser has questions, they should consult the prescriber. If the patient has questions, they too should consult the prescriber.
Yes. And the instructions must be as the same as the instructions written by the prescriber.
Yes. The dispenser has a duty and responsibility to ensure that the patient understands the preparation and administration instructions clearly. The dispenser must also be prepared to answer questions.
The registered Chinese herbal medicine practitioner or the registered Chinese herbal medicine dispenser who employs them.
No. See Complementary medicine practitioner medicines and exemptions on the Department of Health website.
No, this is not a standard form of Chinese medicine practice in Australia and is not taught in accredited Australian Chinese medicine programs.