Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BYT stipulates the issuance of certificates for traditional medical practitioners, certificates for holders of family-prescribed remedies, and certificates for holders of family-prescribed treatment methods combining traditional medicine with modern medicine at healthcare facilities.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Issuing Certificates for Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Certificates for Individuals with Inherited Prescriptions, Certificates for Individuals with Inherited Treatment Methods, and Certificates for Combining Traditional Medicine with Modern Medicine at Medical Examination and Treatment Facilities

Law on Medical Examination and Treatment No. 15/2023/QH15 dated January 9, 2023;

Decree No. 96/2023/NĐ-CP dated December 30, 2023 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment;

The Minister of Health issues this Circular on the issuance of certificates for traditional medicine practitioners, certificates for individuals with inherited prescriptions, certificates for individuals with inherited treatment methods, and certificates for combining traditional medicine with modern medicine at medical examination and treatment facilities.

On the basis of ISSUANCE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATES

Decree No. OBJECTS AND CONDITIONS FOR ISSUING TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATES Article 1. Objects Requesting Issuance of Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificates

Decree No. Government Decree No. 95/2022/NĐ-CP dated November 15, 2022 stipulating functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

At the proposal of the Director of the Traditional Medicine Management Department;

1. Individuals who have been standardized as traditional medicine practitioners and possess all the course certificates specified in Point a, Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular before June 30, 2004 but have not yet undergone examination.

PART I
2. Individuals who have been issued a certificate for specialized traditional medicine practitioner by the Central Association of Traditional Medicine Vietnam before June 30, 2004.

Section 1

3. Individuals who have been trained and issued a certificate attesting to having achieved a level 2 or higher medical technician qualification (according to the classification of the Central Association of Pure Land Lay Buddhists Vietnam) by the Central Management Board of the Pure Land Lay Buddhists Vietnam Association before June 30, 2004.

4. Individuals who have been issued a certificate confirming eligibility to practice by a health administration agency under the provincial People's Committee within the scope of practicing traditional medicine but not as a doctor or medical technician specializing in traditional medicine and have not yet received a traditional medicine practitioner certificate.

5. Individuals who have participated in medical examinations and treatments using traditional medicine for at least 30 years.

6. Individuals who have passed the examination according to the provisions of Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT dated July 6, 1999 of the Ministry of Health guiding the implementation of the Ordinance on Private Practice of Medicine and Pharmacy in the field of traditional medicine and pharmacy (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT) before February 14, 2004 but have not yet received a traditional medicine practitioner certificate.

Article 2. Conditions for Issuing Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificates

1. Conditions for issuing traditional medicine practitioner certificates for objects specified in Clause 1, Article 1 of this Circular:

a. Possessing ten course certificates issued by educational institutions in traditional medicine and pharmacy, the Central Association of Traditional Medicine Vietnam, or traditional medicine examination and treatment facilities (Institute, traditional medicine hospital) in collaboration with secondary or college-level health schools, provincial associations of traditional medicine (hereinafter referred to as provincial association of traditional medicine), organized for standardization training and issued before June 30, 2004. These course certificates include:

- Basic theory of traditional medicine;

- Certificate in internal medicine diseases and treatment;

- Certificate in surgical diseases and treatment;

- Certificate in pediatric diseases and treatment;

- Certificate in gynecological diseases and treatment;

- Certificate in otorhinolaryngological diseases and treatment;

- Certificate in non-pharmacological treatment methods;

- Certificate in herbal medicine;

- Certificate in preparation;

- Certificate in traditional prescriptions.

b. Educational qualifications: Individuals born before January 1, 1960 and from ethnic minorities must be able to read and write Vietnamese; those born on or after January 1, 1960 must hold a high school diploma or equivalent;

c. Passing the examination according to the provisions of this Circular.

2. Conditions for issuing traditional medicine practitioner certificates for objects specified in Clause 2, Article 1 of this Circular:

a. Holding a certificate for specialized traditional medicine practitioner issued by the Central Association of Traditional Medicine Vietnam before June 30, 2004;

b. Meeting the conditions stipulated in Points b and c of Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Conditions for issuing traditional medicine practitioner certificates for objects specified in Clause 3, Article 1 of this Circular:

a. Holding a certificate attesting to achieving a level 2 or higher medical technician qualification (according to the classification of the Central Association of Pure Land Lay Buddhists Vietnam) issued by the Central Management Board of the Pure Land Lay Buddhists Vietnam Association before June 30, 2004;

4. Conditions for issuing traditional medicine practitioner certificates for objects specified in Clause 4, Article 1 of this Circular:

Individuals holding a certificate confirming eligibility to practice issued according to the provisions of the Ordinance on Private Practice of Medicine and Pharmacy, within the scope of practicing traditional medicine but not as a doctor or medical technician specializing in traditional medicine and have not yet received a traditional medicine practitioner certificate.

5. Conditions for issuing traditional medicine practitioner certificates for objects specified in Clause 5, Article 1 of this Circular:

a. Having practiced medical examinations and treatments using traditional medicine at legitimate medical examination and treatment facilities for at least 30 years:

Individuals holding a certificate confirming eligibility to practice issued according to the provisions of the Ordinance on Private Practice of Medicine and Pharmacy, within the scope of practicing traditional medicine but not as a doctor or medical technician specializing in traditional medicine and have not yet received a traditional medicine practitioner certificate.

- If the individual practices at a commune health station, they must be confirmed in writing by the head of the health station based on labor contracts or other documents proving participation in traditional medicine examinations and treatments without errors in professional conduct and trust from patients;

- If the individual practices at other medical examination and treatment facilities, they must be confirmed by the head of that facility;

- The person confirming as mentioned above must bear legal responsibility for the content of their confirmation.

b. Being at least 55 years old as of November 26, 2015.

6. Conditions for issuing traditional medicine practitioner certificates for objects specified in Clause 6, Article 1 of this Circular:

Passing the examination according to the provisions of Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT but not yet receiving a traditional medicine practitioner certificate.

- The person confirming as provided for in this point shall be liable under the law for the content of their confirmation.

b) Be at least 55 years old as of November 26, 2015.

6. Conditions for issuing a certificate of traditional medicine practitioner for the subject specified in Clause 6, Article 1 of this Circular:

Having passed the examination as prescribed in Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT but not yet issued a certificate of traditional medicine practitioner.

Section 2

AUTHORITY AND DOCUMENTS FOR ISSUING AND REISSUING THE CERTIFICATE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER

Article 3. Authority to issue, reissue, and revoke the certificate of traditional medical practitioner

1. The Minister of Health shall delegate the Director of the Traditional Medicine Management Department to issue, reissue, and revoke the certificate of traditional medical practitioner for the subjects specified in Clauses 2 and 3 of Article 1 of this Circular according to Model No. 04 in Appendix I attached hereto.

2. The head of the specialized agency under the People's Committee at the provincial level shall issue, reissue, and revoke the certificate of traditional medical practitioner for the subjects specified in Clause 1, 4, 5, and Clause 6 of Article 1 of this Circular according to Model No. 04 in Appendix I attached hereto.

Article 4. Application dossier for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner for the subject specified in Clause 1 of Article 1 of this Circular

1. Application form for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner according to Model No. 01 in Appendix I attached hereto.

2. Legally certified copies of course certificates as stipulated in Point a, Clause 1 of Article 2 of this Circular.

3. Legally certified copies of high school graduation certificates or equivalent for persons born on or after January 1, 1960.

4. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application dossier).

Article 5. Application dossier for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner for the subject specified in Clause 2 of Article 1 of this Circular

1. Application form for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner according to Model No. 01 in Appendix I attached hereto.

2. Legally certified copy of the certificate of specialized traditional medical practitioner together with the grade sheet issued by the Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine.

3. Legally certified copies of high school graduation certificates or equivalent for persons born on or after January 1, 1960.

4. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application dossier),

Article 6. Application dossier for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner for the subject specified in Clause 3 of Article 1 of this Circular

1. Application form for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner according to Model No. 01 in Appendix I attached hereto,

2. Legally certified copy of the certificate of second-level medical assistant issued by the Central Board of the Vietnamese Pure Land Buddhist Association.

3. Legally certified copies of high school graduation certificates or equivalent for persons born on or after January 1, 1960.

4. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application dossier).

Article 7. Application dossier for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner for the subject specified in Clause 4 of Article 1 of this Circular

1. Application form for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner according to Model No. 01 in Appendix I attached hereto.

2. Legally certified copy of the certificate of eligibility to practice issued in accordance with the Private Practice of Medicine and Pharmacy Ordinance with the scope of practice being traditional medicine diagnosis and treatment.

3. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application dossier),

Article 8. Application dossier for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner for the subject specified in Clause 5 of Article 1 of this Circular

1. Application form for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner according to Model No. 01 in Appendix I attached hereto.

2. Confirmation of the process of diagnosis and treatment by the Head of the Commune Health Station or the head of the health care facility according to Model No. 03 in Appendix I attached hereto.

3. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application dossier).

Article 9. Application dossier for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner for the subject specified in Clause 6 of Article 1 of this Circular

1. Application form for issuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner according to Model No. 01 in Appendix I attached hereto.

2. Legally certified copy of the examination results as stipulated in Clause 6 of Article 1 of this Circular.

3. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application dossier).

Article 10. Application dossier for reissuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner in case of loss or damage

1. Application form for reissuing the certificate of traditional medical practitioner according to Model No. 01 in Appendix I attached hereto.

2. Legally certified copy of the examination results as stipulated in Clause 6 of Article 1 of this Circular.

3. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application dossier).

Section 3

PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING AND REISSUING THE CERTIFICATE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONER

Article 11. Procedure for issuing the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner for individuals required to take the examination as stipulated in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Article 1 of this Circular

1. Individuals submit one set of application documents to the competent authority as prescribed in Article 3 of this Circular via postal service, directly, or through the National Public Service Portal.

2. Processing procedure:

a) After receiving the application documents, the department responsible for receiving the documents shall issue a Receipt Form according to Model No. 02 attached as Appendix I of this Circular.

In case the application documents are not valid, within five working days from the date recorded on the Receipt Form, the competent authority must notify the applicant in writing to request additional information.

b) Within ten working days from the date of receipt of valid application documents, the Secretariat of the Examination Board must review the application documents:

- If the conditions are met, the Secretariat shall prepare a list to be submitted to the Board.

- If the conditions are not met, the Secretariat shall report to the competent authority to notify the applicant in writing and specify the reasons.

c) Within ten working days from the date of receipt of the list from the Secretariat, the Examination Board must convene a meeting to process:

- If the conditions for taking the examination are met, the competent authority as prescribed in Article 3 of this Circular must develop a plan, organize the examination, and score it.

- If the conditions for issuing the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner are not met or if the conditions for taking the examination are not met, the Secretariat shall report to the competent authority to notify the applicant in writing and specify the reasons.

d) Within fifteen days after the examination:

- If the examination results are satisfactory, the Secretariat shall submit the application to the competent authority as prescribed in Article 3 of this Circular to issue the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner.

- If the examination results are unsatisfactory, a written notification of the examination results must be issued to each individual.

Article 12. Procedure for issuing the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner for individuals not required to take the examination as stipulated in Clauses 4, 5, and 6 of Article 1 of this Circular

1. Individuals submit one set of application documents to the competent authority as prescribed in Article 3 of this Circular via postal service, directly, or through the National Public Service Portal.

2. Processing procedure:

a) After receiving the application documents, the department responsible for receiving the documents shall issue a Receipt Form according to Model No. 02 attached as Appendix I of this Circular.

In case the application documents are not valid, within five working days from the date recorded on the Receipt Form, the competent authority must notify the applicant in writing to request additional information.

b) Within ten working days from the date of receipt of valid application documents, the competent authority shall issue the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner to the applicant as prescribed.

Article 13. Procedure for reissuing the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner

1. Individuals requesting a reissue of the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner submit one set of application documents to the competent authority where the original certificate was issued via postal service, directly, or through the National Public Service Portal.

2. After receiving valid application documents, the department responsible for receiving the documents shall issue a Receipt Form according to Model No. 02 attached as Appendix I of this Circular.

3. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of valid application documents, the competent authority must reissue the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner to the applicant as prescribed.

Section 4

ORGANIZATION OF THE EXAMINATION BOARD BEFORE ISSUING THE CERTIFICATE OF A TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONER

Article 14. Establishment of the Examination Board and its Secretariat

1. The Minister of Health establishes the Examination Board and its Secretariat to issue the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner for individuals under their jurisdiction. Members of the Board include experienced doctors and traditional medical practitioners with at least five years of work experience in traditional medicine.

The composition of the Board and its Secretariat includes:

a) Chairman of the Board: Head of the Traditional Medicine Management Department ensuring that the Chairman does not simultaneously organize the drafting and management of the examination question bank;

b) Deputy Chairman of the Board: Head of the Traditional Medicine Management Department, Central Association of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine, or Central Association of Vietnamese Acupuncture, or other professional associations in the field of traditional medicine;

c) Members of the Board include at least six representatives from the following organizations:

- Representatives from health training institutions including those specializing in traditional medicine;

- Representatives from healthcare facilities;

- Representatives from professional associations in the field of traditional medicine;

If necessary, the Chairman may invite additional experts in the field of traditional medicine to join the Board.

d) Composition of the Secretariat: four members

- Two officers from the Traditional Medicine Management Department, one of whom will serve as the head of the Secretariat;

- One officer from a professional association in the field of traditional medicine and one officer from a health training institution specializing in traditional medicine.

2. The head of the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee establishes the Examination Board and its Secretariat to issue the certificate of a traditional medical practitioner for individuals under their jurisdiction. Members of the Board include experienced doctors and traditional medical practitioners with at least five years of work experience in traditional medicine.

The composition of the Board and its Secretariat includes:

a) Chairman of the Board: Head of the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee;

b) Deputy Chairman of the Board: Head of the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine or Provincial Association of Acupuncture or other professional associations in the field of traditional medicine;

c) Members of the Board include at least six representatives from the following organizations:

- Representatives from health training institutions including those specializing in traditional medicine;

- Representatives from healthcare facilities;

- Representatives from professional associations in the field of traditional medicine;

If necessary, the Chairman may invite additional experts in the field of traditional medicine to join the Board.

d) Composition of the Secretariat: four members

- Two officers from the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee, one of whom will serve as the head of the Secretariat;

- One officer from a professional association in the field of traditional medicine and one officer from a health training institution specializing in traditional medicine.

Article 15. Principles and tasks of the Examination Board and Secretariat Team

1. Principles of operation of the Examination Board:

a) The Examination Board operates on the principle of consensus, democratic centralism, objectivity, transparency, and clarity; the opinions of the board members must ensure legal and scientific bases.

b) The Examination Board convenes when at least 3/4 of its members attend; In case the Chairman is absent, there must be a written authorization for the Vice-Chairman to act in his place.

c) The Chairman concludes based on at least 2/3 of the consensus opinions of the board members.

2. Tasks of the Examination Board:

a) Reviewing and approving lists of cases meeting and not meeting the conditions for examination and assessment;

b) Organizing examination and assessment:

- Reporting to the Ministry of Health or the head of the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee on the plan, time, and location of the examination;

- Conducting the examination and assessment according to the provisions set out in Article 17 of this Circular.

c) Approving the results of theoretical and practical examinations for each individual, compiling a list of cases meeting the requirements to request the Minister of Health or the head of the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee to issue certificates of traditional medicine practitioners according to their authority.

3. Tasks of the Secretariat Team:

a) Studying files:

- Classifying individuals eligible for certification as traditional medicine practitioners without undergoing examination and assessment and those who must pass the examination and assessment before obtaining certification;

- Compiling a list of individuals meeting and not meeting the conditions for examination and assessment.

b) Notifying the time, location, and registration number for each eligible individual to participate in the examination and assessment;

c) Contacting the Ministry of Health (Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau) to receive theoretical examination questions, answers, and ensuring confidentiality, preventing the leakage of examination questions;

d) Preparing examination papers and patient materials to organize theoretical and practical examination and assessment;

đ) Separating and matching examination answer sheets, compiling score sheets for theoretical and practical examination and assessment for each individual, and preparing reports for the Examination Board to approve;

e) Handing over relevant documents related to the activities of the Examination Board and examination papers to the Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau or the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee for storage according to their authority;

g) Compiling a list of individuals meeting the conditions to request the competent authority to issue certificates of traditional medicine practitioners.

Article 16. Authority to prepare examination questions

1. Theoretical examination questions: The Director of the Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau organizes the drafting and management of the bank of theoretical examination questions, model answers, and marking guidelines accompanying the examination questions.

The development of theoretical and practical examination questions for traditional medicine practitioners must be based on the standardized traditional medicine practitioner curriculum, the training program of the Vietnam Association of Oriental Medicine, and the training program of the Vietnamese Pure Land Lay Buddhists' Association.

2. Practical examination: The Chairman of the Examination Board organizes the practical examination according to the provisions set out in Article 17 of this Circular.

Article 17. Organization of examination and assessment, form of examination and assessment, content of examination and assessment, marking method, examination and assessment score calculation

1. Examination and assessment organization plan:

a) Depending on the number of people participating in the examination and assessment, the Examination and Assessment Board decides the time and location for organizing the examination and assessment;

b) In cases where the number of participants in the examination and assessment is small, insufficient to cover the costs of organizing the examination and assessment, the health department under the provincial People's Committee may contact the health department under another provincial People's Committee to coordinate in organizing the examination and assessment; if coordination is not possible, it shall report to the Ministry of Health (Traditional Medicine Management Department) so that the Ministry of Health can determine the health department under the provincial People's Committee to act as the lead agency coordinating with other health departments under provincial People's Committees to organize the examination and assessment;

c) The health department under the provincial People's Committee must report the examination and assessment plan to the Ministry of Health (Traditional Medicine Management Department) for general monitoring and supervision.

2. Form of examination and assessment:

a) Theoretical examination and assessment: Written test format, duration of 180 minutes;

b) Practical examination and assessment: Question-and-answer format based on the quality of traditional medical case records, diagnostic skills, differential diagnosis, differential treatment methods on specific patients with specific diseases and symptoms.

3. Content of examination and assessment:

a) Content of theoretical examination and assessment: General theory; disease and treatment methods, medicinal herbs, prescriptions (for objects belonging to the Vietnamese Buddhist Association, the prescription part is examined according to southern medicinal herbs and prescriptions) and non-medicinal traditional medicine methods;

b) Practical examination: Each participant in the practical examination randomly selects a patient at a healthcare facility designated by the Examination and Assessment Board to treat using traditional medicine methods. The time for creating the treatment case record does not exceed 60 minutes. Members of the Examination and Assessment Board assigned to review and evaluate the quality of the case record and check some practical skills such as diagnostic techniques (observation, inquiry, auscultation, palpation), diagnosis, acupuncture, massage, acupressure, recognition and analysis of the effects of medicinal herbs, significance of the compatibility between medicinal herbs in related prescriptions.

4. Marking organization and score calculation method:

a) Theoretical examination and assessment paper: After sealing, two members of the Examination and Assessment Board independently mark the theoretical examination and assessment paper on a scale of 10 points. The results of the two markers' scores cannot differ by more than 1 point. If the difference exceeds 1 point or if there is a request for a recheck, the examination paper must be transferred to the Chairman of the Examination and Assessment Board to organize a public marking session by the entire board. If the difference is within 1 point, the examination score is the average of the two examiners' scores;

b) Practical examination and assessment marking:

- Two members of the Examination and Assessment Board conduct the practical examination and mark independently. The practical examination score is the average of the two practical examiners' scores. The practical examination score does not undergo rechecking;

- The marking method for practical examination is as follows:

+ Diagnostic technique (observation, inquiry, auscultation, palpation): Maximum of 2 points.

+ Correct diagnosis: 3 points, incorrect: 0 points.

+ Appropriate treatment methods and prescriptions: Maximum of 3 points.

+ Analysis of the sovereign, minister, assistant, and messenger components of the prescription: Maximum of 1 point.

+ Acupuncture, massage, acupressure skills: Maximum of 1 point.

5. Examination Results:

a) A person who meets the requirements is someone who achieves a score of 5 points or higher in both theoretical and practical examinations;

b) A person who does not meet the requirements is someone who scores below 5 points in either the theoretical or practical examination, or both scores are below 5 points.

In cases where the examination and assessment requirements are not met, the right to apply for re-examination is granted after 12 months. The content of the examination and assessment includes both theoretical and practical parts as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article.

Section 5

REVOCATION, ORDER OF REVOCATION OF LICENSE FOR TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER

Article 18. Revocation of the Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate

The Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate shall be revoked in the following cases:

1. Issued beyond the authority's jurisdiction.

2. Fraudulent documentation in the application file for the Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate.

3. Application file for the Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate not complying with regulations.

Article 19. Procedure for Revoking the Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate

1. Agencies, organizations, or individuals discovering that a person holding a Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate falls under the circumstances requiring revocation as stipulated in Article 18 of this Circular shall notify the competent authority responsible for revoking the certificate according to Article 3 of this Circular.

2. The competent authority responsible for revoking the Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate shall verify the application file, documents, and information provided by organizations or individuals, and if it falls under the circumstances for revocation, issue a decision to revoke the Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate.

Chapter II
ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES FOR HOLDERS OF HERITAGE REMEDIES AND THERAPEUTIC METHODS

Article 20. Authority to Issue, Reissue, and Revoke Certificates for Holders of Heritage Remedies and Therapeutic Methods

The head of the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee shall issue, reissue, and revoke certificates for holders of heritage remedies and therapeutic methods.

Article 21. Application File for Issuance of Certificates for Holders of Heritage Remedies and Therapeutic Methods

1. An application form for issuance of the certificate according to Form No. 01 Appendix II issued together with this Circular.

2. A description of the heritage remedy and therapeutic method according to Form No. 03 Appendix II issued together with this Circular.

3. A certified copy of the results of acute and subacute toxicity tests on the heritage remedy.

4. A legally valid copy of documents proving ownership of the heritage remedy and therapeutic method.

5. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application file).

Article 22. Application File for Reissuing Certificates for Holders of Heritage Remedies and Therapeutic Methods Due to Loss or Damage

1. An application form for reissuing the certificate according to Form No. 01 Appendix II issued together with this Circular.

2. Two passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm), taken against a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application file).

Article 22. Procedure for Issuing Certificates for Holders of Heritage Remedies and Therapeutic Methods

1. The applicant submits one set of the application file according to the regulations to the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee where they reside via postal service, directly, or through the National Public Service Portal.

Upon receiving the application file, the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee issues a receipt for the application file according to Form No. 02 Appendix II issued together with this Circular to the applicant.

2. In case there is a request to amend or supplement the application file, within five working days from the date recorded on the receipt for the application file, the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee where the application file was received shall send a written notice to the applicant to amend or supplement the application file.

Within sixty days from the date the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee requests amendments or supplements to the application file, if the applicant does not amend or supplement the application file, the application file for issuing the certificate will lose its validity. If the applicant wishes to resubmit the application file, they must submit it according to Article 21 of this Circular.

3. In case there is no request to amend or supplement the application file, within ten working days from the date recorded on the receipt for the application file, the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee shall organize a Board to review and assess.

Within ten working days from the date of the meeting minutes of the Review Board, the specialized health agency under the provincial People's Committee shall issue the certificate according to Form No. 04 Appendix II issued together with this Circular or issue a document refusing to issue the certificate and specify the reasons for refusal.

Article 24. Procedure for Reissuing Certificates for Persons with Traditional Prescription and Persons with Traditional Healing Method

1. An individual requesting to reissue a certificate for persons with traditional prescription or a certificate for persons with traditional healing method shall send one set of application files to the competent authority that issued the certificates through postal service, directly, or via the National Public Service Portal.

2. Upon receiving valid application files, the file reception department shall issue a File Receipt Form according to Model No. 02 attached as Appendix II of this Circular.

3. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of valid application files for reissuing certificates for persons with traditional prescription and persons with traditional healing method, the file reception agency must reissue such certificates for the applicant.

Article 25. Establishment of the Appraisal Board for Issuing Certificates for Persons with Traditional Prescription and Persons with Traditional Healing Method

The head of the specialized health agency under the People's Committee of the province shall establish the Appraisal Board for issuing certificates for persons with traditional prescription and persons with traditional healing method, which includes:

1. Chairman of the Board: Leader of the specialized health agency under the People's Committee of the province.

2. Deputy Chairman of the Board: Leader of the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine or the Provincial Acupuncture Association or other professional associations in the field of traditional medicine and pharmacy.

3. Members of the Board include at least eight members from the following units:

a) Representative of the specialized and professional departments of the specialized health agency under the People's Committee of the province;

b) Representative of educational institutions specializing in healthcare, including traditional medicine and pharmacy;

c) Representative of medical examination and treatment facilities;

d) Representative of professional associations in the field of traditional medicine and pharmacy.

If necessary, the Chairman may invite additional experts in the field of traditional medicine to join the Board.

Article 26. Revocation of Certificates for Persons with Traditional Prescription and Persons with Traditional Healing Method

Certificates for persons with traditional prescription and persons with traditional healing method shall be revoked in the following cases:

1. Forgery of documents in the application files for certificates for persons with traditional prescription and persons with traditional healing method.

2. Application files for certificates for persons with traditional prescription and persons with traditional healing method not complying with regulations.

3. There is a conclusion by the specialized appraisal board established by the specialized health agency under the People's Committee of the province regarding the traditional prescription and traditional healing method not ensuring safety and efficacy.

4. There is a conclusion by the competent state authority that the person with traditional prescription or the person with traditional healing method is not the owner of the traditional prescription or traditional healing method.

Article 27. Procedure for Revoking Certificates for Persons with Traditional Prescription and Persons with Traditional Healing Method

1. Agencies, organizations, or individuals discovering that a person who has been granted a certificate for persons with traditional prescription or persons with traditional healing method falls within the category requiring revocation as stipulated in Article 26 of this Circular shall notify the competent authority to revoke the certificate for persons with traditional prescription or persons with traditional healing method.

2. The competent authority responsible for revoking the certificate for persons with traditional prescription or persons with traditional healing method shall verify the application files, documents, and information provided by organizations or individuals; if it falls within the category for revocation, it shall issue a decision to revoke the certificate for persons with traditional prescription or persons with traditional healing method.

Chapter III
INTEGRATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE WITH MODERN MEDICINE AT MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT FACILITIES

Article 28. Principles for Combining Traditional Medicine with Modern Medicine in Diagnosis and Treatment

1. Medical facilities and medical practitioners must implement the combination of traditional medicine with modern medicine in diagnosis and treatment, including the use of specialized methods and techniques to diagnose, treat, and monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes. The combination must comply with the principle of suitability within the scope of practice recorded in the license to practice, operating permit, and other permits issued by competent authorities.

2. The combination of specialized methods and techniques of traditional medicine with those of modern medicine in diagnosis and treatment must adhere to the regulations on specialized techniques approved by competent authorities and be appropriate to each stage and condition of the disease, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Article 29. Indications and Implementation of Specialized Methods and Techniques in Diagnosis and Treatment and Prescription of Medicines Combining Traditional Medicine with Modern Medicine

1. Medical practitioners holding one of the following professional titles may be designated to implement the combination of traditional medicine and modern medicine specialized methods and techniques in diagnosis and treatment:

a) Doctor with a scope of practice in general medicine;

b) Doctor with a scope of practice in traditional medicine;

c) Doctor with a scope of practice in specialty medicine;

d) Medical Assistant with a scope of practice in general health care;

đ) Medical Assistant with a scope of practice in traditional medicine.

2. Medical practitioners holding one of the following professional titles may implement the combination of traditional medicine and modern medicine specialized methods and techniques in treatment:

a) The professional titles specified in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Nursing Assistant with a scope of practice in nursing;

c) Nursing Assistant with a scope of practice in specialty nursing;

d) Medical Technician with a scope of practice in rehabilitation;

đ) Medical Technician with a scope of practice in specialty rehabilitation.

3. The prescription of medicines by medical practitioners specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be carried out in accordance with Circular No. 44/2018/TT-BYT dated December 28, 2018, of the Ministry of Health on Traditional Medicine Prescriptions, Herbal Medicines, and Combined Prescriptions of Traditional Medicine and Herbal Medicines with Chemical Drugs (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 44/2018/TT-BYT).

Article 30. Combination of Traditional Medicine with Modern Medicine at Traditional Medicine Hospitals

The combination of traditional medicine with modern medicine at traditional medicine hospitals includes the following contents:

1. General medical diagnosis and treatment if meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 41 of Decree No. 96/2023/NĐ-CP dated December 30, 2023, of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Diagnosis and Treatment.

2. Based on the scope of professional activities approved by competent authorities, hospitals establish a list of drugs for emergency care, disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment at their units.

3. Use modern medicine drugs, medical equipment, methods, and specialized techniques in conjunction with traditional medicine drugs, medical equipment, methods, and specialized techniques to diagnose, treat, and monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes in accordance with the scope of practice recorded in the license to practice, operating permit, and other permits issued by competent authorities.

Article 31. Combination of Traditional Medicine with Modern Medicine at Hospitals Other Than General Hospitals

The combination of traditional medicine with modern medicine at hospitals other than general hospitals shall be carried out as follows:

1. Based on demand, number of personnel, level of expertise, infrastructure, and equipment to decide on establishing a department or specialized unit for traditional medicine at the hospital to provide medical examination and treatment using traditional medicine, and to combine traditional medicine with modern medicine.

2. The Director of the hospital shall be responsible for directing and approving the cooperation between departments and specialized units in combining traditional medicine with modern medicine, with the traditional medicine department or specialized unit serving as the main point of contact.

3. Use medicines, medical equipment, methods, and technical skills from traditional medicine combined with medicines, medical equipment, methods, and technical skills from modern medicine to examine patients, treat diseases, and monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes in accordance with the scope of practice recorded in the practice permit, operating permit, and other permits issued by the competent authority.

4. Ensure sufficient medicines to meet the needs of combining traditional medicine with modern medicine in medical examinations and treatments, including herbal medicines and traditional medicines.

Article 32. Combination of Traditional Medicine with Modern Medicine at Medical Examination and Treatment Facilities Not Organized as Hospitals

The combination of traditional medicine with modern medicine at medical examination and treatment facilities not organized as hospitals shall be carried out as follows:

1. Use medicines, medical equipment, methods, and technical skills from traditional medicine combined with medicines, medical equipment, methods, and technical skills from modern medicine to examine patients, treat diseases, and monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes in accordance with the scope of practice recorded in the practice permit, operating permit, and other permits issued by the competent authority.

2. Ensure sufficient medicines to meet the needs of combining traditional medicine with modern medicine in medical examinations and treatments, including herbal medicines and traditional medicines.

Chapter IV
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 33. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from March 12, 2024.

2. The following documents shall cease to be effective from the date this Circular comes into force:

a) Circular No. 29/2015/TT-BYT dated October 12, 2015 of the Ministry of Health on issuing certificates of traditional physician;

b) Decision No. 39/2007/QĐ-BYT dated November 12, 2007 of the Ministry of Health on regulations for reviewing and issuing certificates of traditional family recipes;

c) Circular No. 50/2010/TT-BYT dated December 31, 2010 of the Ministry of Health guiding the combination of traditional medicine with modern medicine during medical examinations and treatments.

3. Repeal Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 20/2023/TT-BYT dated November 14, 2023 of the Ministry of Health abolishing certain legal normative documents issued by the Minister of Health.

Article 34. Transitional Provisions

1. Certificates of traditional physicians, certificates of persons with traditional family recipes, and certificates of persons with traditional family treatment methods issued before this Circular takes effect shall continue to be valid.

2. In cases where applications for certificates of persons with traditional family recipes and certificates of persons with traditional family treatment methods were submitted before this Circular takes effect, they shall continue to be processed according to the provisions of Government Decree No. 155/2018/NĐ-CP dated November 12, 2018 amending and supplementing certain regulations related to investment conditions under the management of the Ministry of Health and Decision No. 39/2007/QĐ-BYT dated November 12, 2007 of the Ministry of Health on regulations for reviewing and issuing certificates of traditional family recipes.

Article 35. Responsibility for Implementation

The Heads of the Office of the Ministry, the Director of the Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Management, the Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management, the Heads of all Departments and Bureaus under the Ministry of Health, the Heads of subordinate agencies and units under the Ministry of Health, the Directors of Provincial Health Departments, the Heads of health agencies under Ministries and sectors, and relevant organizations and institutions are responsible for implementing this Circular.

During implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, please report them to the Ministry of Health (Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Management) for consideration and resolution./.

 

 

ANNEX I

FORMS FOR ISSUING TRADITIONAL PHYSICIAN CERTIFICATES
(Annexed to Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BYT dated March 12, 2024 of the Ministry of Health)

 

Form No. 01: Application for Issuance/Renewal of Traditional Physician Certificate

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
---------------

..........¹..., day ... month ... year 20...

PETITION FOR APPLICATION

Issuance/Renewal of Traditional Physician Certificate

Respectfully submitted to: ...²......................................

Full name: …

Place of residence: ...

ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number:³ ..........................................................................................................................

In case of application for issuance:⁴ ................................................................................................

I hereby submit along with this application the following documents:⁵

(1) ......................................................................................................................................

(2) ......................................................................................................................................

(3) ......................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

I solemnly declare that the information provided above is true and accurate and I am fully responsible for the authenticity of the content and the documents in the application package. Kindly consider and issue/renew the traditional physician certificate for me.

 

____________________

¹ Place name

² Issuing Authority of the Traditional Physician Certificate (Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Management or specialized health agency under provincial People's Committee).

³ Record one of the five pieces of information about the ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number still within validity period.

⁴ Clearly indicate whether it is a new issuance or renewal of the traditional physician certificate according to the regulations.

⁵ List all documents and materials submitted with the application.

 

Form No. 02: Receipt Form for Application for Issuance/Renewal of Traditional Physician Certificate

 

1. Declaring entity:

Application for Issuance/Renewal of Traditional Physician Certificate

Applicant's name: ...

Place of residence: ...

Phone: ...

Received application for ...⁴...including the following documents:⁵

1 ...................................................................................................................................

2 ...................................................................................................................................

3 ...................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

 

 

____________________

¹ Issuing Authority of the Traditional Physician Certificate (Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Management or specialized health agency under provincial People's Committee).

² Abbreviation of the issuing authority of the traditional physician certificate

³ Place name

⁴ Clearly state the administrative procedure

⁵ List all documents and materials submitted with the application.

 

Form No. 03: Confirmation of Medical Examination and Treatment Process

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
---------------

..........¹..., day ... month ... year 20...

CERTIFICATE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT PROCESS

Full name: …

Place of residence: ...

ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number:² .............................................................................................................

I hereby declare the process of traditional medicine diagnosis and treatment as follows:

During the diagnosis and treatment process, I have not committed any violations regarding professional ethics or specialized regulations.

I solemnly affirm that the above declarations are true, and I will bear full responsibility under the law if they are found to be false.

 

____________________

¹ Place name

² Record one of the five pieces of information about the ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number still within validity period.

 

FORM NO. 04: Certificate of Traditional Medicine Practitioner

 

CERTIFICATE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER

....................⁴...................

On the basis of ISSUANCE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATES

Pursuant to Circular No.        /2024/TT-BYT dated    month     year 2024 issued by the Minister of Health on issuing certificates for traditional medicine practitioners, certificates for individuals with family herbal remedies, certificates for individuals with family treatment methods, and combining traditional medicine with modern medicine at healthcare facilities;

At the proposal of ⁵.....................................................................................................

Full name: …

Date of Birth: ...

ID number/ID card number/registration number/personal identification number/passport number:.⁷.......................................

Date of issue: …Issuing place: …

 

____________________

¹ Issuing authority for the certificate of traditional medicine practitioner (Traditional Medicine Management Department or health administration agency of provincial People's Committee).

² Certificate number of the traditional medicine practitioner.

³ Abbreviation of the issuing authority for the certificate of traditional medicine practitioner.

⁴ Position of the authorized person to issue the certificate of traditional medicine practitioner.

⁵ Clearly state the position of the head of the specialized department of the authority issuing the certificate of traditional medicine practitioner.

⁶ Apply for reissuance of the certificate of traditional medicine practitioner.

⁷ Record one of the five pieces of information about the ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number still within validity period.

⁸ Place name.

 

ANNEX II

SAMPLES OF CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE DOCUMENTS

HOLDER OF FAMILY HERBAL REMEDIES, CERTIFICATE OF HOLDER OF

FAMILY TREATMENT METHODS
(Annexed to Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BYT dated March 12, 2024 of the Ministry of Health)

 

FORM NO. 01: Application for issuance/reissuance of certificate for holder of family herbal remedies, certificate for holder of family treatment methods

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
---------------

..........¹..., day ... month ... year 20...

PETITION FOR APPLICATION

Issuance/reissuance of certificate for holder of family herbal remedies,

 certificate for holder of family treatment methods

Respectfully submitted to: ...²...................

Full name: …

Place of residence: ...

ID number/ID card number/registration number/personal identification number/passport number:…³...........................................................................

In case of application for issuance: ⁴....................................................................................

Previously issued certificate number: …Date of issuance: …Issuing authority:…(for reissuance cases).

I hereby submit along with this application the following documents:⁵

(1) ..........................................................................................................................

(2) ..........................................................................................................................

(3) ..........................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................

I solemnly affirm that the information declared above is mine and I fully accept legal responsibility for the authenticity of the declared content as well as all documents in this dossier. Kindly consider and issue/reissue the certificate for holder of family herbal remedies, certificate for holder of family treatment methods to me./.

 

____________________

¹ Place name

² Authority issuing/reissuing certificate for holder of family herbal remedies, certificate for holder of family treatment methods

³ Record one of the five pieces of information about the ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number still within validity period.

⁴ Clearly indicate whether it is a new issuance or reissuance of the certificate for holder of family herbal remedies, certificate for holder of family treatment methods according to regulations.

⁵ List all documents and materials submitted with the application.

 

FORM NO. 02: Receipt form for application for issuance/reissuance of certificate for holder of family herbal remedies, certificate for holder of family treatment methods

 

1. Declaring entity:

Application for issuance/reissuance of certificate for holder of family herbal remedies,

 certificate for holder of family treatment methods

Applicant's name: ...

Place of residence: ...

Contact phone number: …

Received application for ...⁴...including the following documents:⁵

1....................................................................................................................................

2 ...................................................................................................................................

3 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

 

 

____________________

¹ Issuing authority for the certificate.

² Abbreviation of the issuing authority for the certificate.

³ Place name.

⁴ Clearly state the administrative procedure.

⁵ List all documents and materials submitted with the application.

 

FORM NO. 03: Detailed description of family herbal remedies, family treatment methods

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
---------------

..........¹..., day ... month ... year 20...

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FAMILY HERBAL REMEDIES,

FAMILY TREATMENT METHODS

Full name: …

Date of Birth: ...

Place of residence: ...

ID number/ID card number/registration number/personal identification number/passport number: …²...........................................................

Date of issue: …Issuing place: …

I have a family herbal remedy or a family treatment method: …

* Process of using the family herbal remedy or family treatment method through generations:

1. Mr./Mrs. …Address …

2. To Mr./Mrs. …Address …

3. To Mr./Mrs. …Address …

* Information about the family herbal remedy:

- Name of the remedy: …

- Origin of the remedy through generations in the lineage, family, place where the remedy has been used for treatment: …

- Formula of the remedy (list each ingredient and dosage clearly): …

- Preparation method: …

- Toxicity (if any) and method to reduce toxicity: …

- Form of the remedy: …

- Dosage, usage, route of administration: …

- Indications and contraindications: …

- Treatment effectiveness: …

- Unwanted effects (if any) and handling when unwanted effects occur: ...

* Information about the family treatment method:

- Name of the method: …

- Treatment effectiveness: …

- Indications:…Contraindications: …

- Complications (if any) and handling when complications occur: …

- Technique (procedure): …

I fully accept responsibility for the content of this presentation, and I will bear full responsibility under the law if there are any inaccuracies.

 

____________________

¹ Place name

² Record one of the five pieces of information about the ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number still within validity period.

 

FORM NO. 04: Certificate of family herbal remedies, certificate of holder of family treatment methods

 

CERTIFICATE FOR HOLDER OF FAMILY HERBAL REMEDIES/CERTIFICATE FOR HOLDER OF FAMILY TREATMENT METHODS

...............⁵.................

On the basis of ISSUANCE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATES

Pursuant to Circular No.        /2024/TT-BYT dated   month     year 2024 issued by the Minister of Health on issuing certificates for traditional medicine practitioners, certificates for individuals with family herbal remedies, certificates for individuals with family treatment methods, and combining traditional medicine with modern medicine at healthcare facilities;

At the proposal of ⁶......................................................................................................

Full name: …Date of birth: …

ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number:⁸.......................................................................................................................

Date of issue: …Issuing place: …

Place of residence: ...

Family herbal remedy/family treatment method: …

(Components of the family herbal remedy:…)⁹

 

____________________

¹ Issuing authority for the certificate for holder of family herbal remedies, certificate for holder of family treatment methods.

² Certificate number.

³ Abbreviation of the issuing authority for the certificate.

⁴ Code of the certificate for family herbal remedies/family treatment methods.

⁵ The position of the authorized person issuing the traditional prescription/traditional treatment method certification.

⁶ Specify the position of the head of the specialized department of the authority issuing/reissuing the traditional prescription/traditional treatment method certification.

⁷ Apply to the case of reissuing the traditional prescription/traditional treatment method certification.

⁸ Record one of the five pieces of information about the ID card number/national identity card number/identity card number/personal identification number/passport number still within validity period.

⁹ Apply to the traditional prescription certification.

¹⁰ Place name.