Circular No. 29/2015/TT-BYT on issuing certificates as a licensed practitioner

CIRCULAR

Regulations on issuing and reissuing certificates for licensed practitioners

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Based on the Law on Prevention and Treatment of Diseases No. 40/2009/QH12 dated November 23, 2009;June 2024;Traditional Medicine,

This Circular prescribes procedures for receiving, providing health care for domestic violence victims and statistical reports on domestic violence victims at medical facilities.

 of the Tender Management Department, the Minister of Planning and Investment issues this Circular guiding the preparation of tender invitation documents and bidding documents to select investors for investment projects using land.intention promulgates this Circular to regulate the issuance and reissuance of Certificates for Licensed Practitioners.

a) Implementing activities to prevent and control infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS: monitoring, early detection, vaccination, preventive treatment, implementing epidemic control measures, and mitigating the consequences of epidemics; preventing and controlling risk factors for the emergence and spread of epidemics and diseases;policies OBJECTS AND CONDITIONS FOR ISSUING CERTIFICATES FOR LICENSED PRACTITIONERSof the Government stipulating functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Home AffairsArticle 1. Objects requesting certificates for licensed practitioners

Reciprocal needsoThis Decree stipulates the autonomous mechanism of public scientific and technological organizations.

1. Individuals who have been standardized as licensed practitioners with all course certificates but have not yet undergone examination according to 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 practice (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT) before June 30, 2004.

2. Individuals who have been issued certificates for specialized licensed practitioners by the Central Association of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine before June 30, 2004. pay y

3. Individuals who have been trained and issued certificates for medical assistants level 2 or higher (according to the classification of the Vietnamese Pure Land Lay Buddhist Association) before June 30, 2004.

4. Individuals who have been issued certificates by the Department of Health of provinces and centrally administered cities (hereinafter referred to as the Department of Health of provinces) certifying them as qualified to practice traditional medicine, traditional medical equipment, and private clinics with the scope of practicing traditional medicine according to Circular No. 07/2007/TT-BYT dated May 25, 2007 of the Minister of Health guiding the practice of traditional medicine and private medical equipment (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 07/2007/TT-BYT), but are not doctors or medical assistants in traditional medicine and have not been issued certificates for licensed practitioners.

5. Individuals with special consideration who have participated in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine for at least 30 years.

6. Individuals who have obtained all course certificates as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular and have passed the final examination for standardizing licensed practitioners organized by the Ministry of Health according to Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT but have not been issued certificates for licensed practitioners.

Article 2. Conditions for issuing certificates for licensed practitioners

for objects specified in Clause 1, Article 1 of this Circular

1. Regarding theoretical knowledge of traditional medicine:N ||| declaration of customs import procedures.Possess all course certificates issued by educational institutions in medicine and pharmacy, the Central Association of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine, or traditional medicine institutions (Institute, traditional medicine hospital) in collaboration with secondary or college health schools, Provincial Associations of Traditional Medicine (hereinafter referred to as Provincial Associations of Traditional Medicine) organizing standardization training according to Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT before June 30, 2004. The course certificates include:ớa) Basic theory of traditional medicine;the Bureau of Enforcement;b) Certificate on internal medicine diseases and treatment;

c) Certificate on surgical diseases and treatment;

d) Certificate on pediatric diseases and treatment;

e) Certificate on gynecological diseases and treatment;

f) Certificate on otorhinolaryngological diseases and treatment;

g) Certificate on treatment methods without medication;

h) Certificate on herbal pharmacology;

i) Certificate on preparation;

j) Certificate on ancient prescriptions.

2. Regarding experience in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine methods: Have at least 36 months of practical experience in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine at legitimate medical facilities after obtaining all course certificates as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, confirmed in writing by the head of the facility.

3. Regarding academic qualifications: Individuals born before January 1, 1960 and ethnic minorities must be able to read and write Vietnamese. Individuals born from January 1, 1960 onwards must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

4. Regarding examination: Pass the examination period as prescribed in this Circular.

5. Regarding confirmation of approval by the Association of Traditional Medicine: Be confirmed in writing by the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine regarding the scope of professional activities and professional ethics to practice diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine.

2. Regarding experience in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine methods: Having completed at least 36 months of internship in diagnosing and treating diseases with traditional medicine at legally recognized healthcare facilities specializing in traditional medicine after obtaining all the course certificates as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, confirmed in writing by the head of such facility.

3. Regarding educational qualifications: Those born before January 1, 1960, and ethnic minorities must be able to read and write Vietnamese script fluently. Those born on or after January 1, 1960, must have a high school graduation certificate or equivalent.

4. Regarding examination results: Achieving the required passing score as specified in this Circular.

5. Regarding confirmation of approval from the Traditional Medicine Association: Being officially confirmed in writing by the Provincial Traditional Medicine Association regarding the scope of professional activities and professional ethics for practicing diagnosis and treatment using traditional medicine.

Article 3. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Practicing as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner for the subjects specified in Clause 2, Article 1 of this Circular

1. Regarding theoretical knowledge of traditional medicine: Possessing a grade sheet and a Certificate of Practicing as a Specialized Traditional Medicine Practitioner issued by the Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine before June 30, 2004.

2. Regarding experience in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medical methods: Having at least 36 months of practical training in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medical methods at legally recognized traditional medical diagnosis and treatment facilities after obtaining the Certificate of Practicing as a Specialized Traditional Medicine Practitioner, confirmed in writing by the head of such facility.

3. Regarding confirmation of agreement from the Traditional Medicine Association: Being confirmed in writing by the Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine on the scope of professional activities and professional ethics to practice traditional medical diagnosis and treatment.

4. Regarding other conditions: Meeting all conditions stipulated in Clauses 3 and 4, Article 2 of this Circular.

Article 4. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Practicing as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner for the subjects specified in Clause 3, Article 1 of this Circularớ1. Regarding theoretical knowledge of traditional medicine: Possessing a Certificate of Achieving Level 2 or higher (according to the classification of the Vietnamese Pure Land Lay Buddhists Association) issued by the Central Executive Board of the Vietnamese Pure Land Lay Buddhists Association before June 30, 2004.

2. Regarding experience in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medical methods: Having at least 36 months of practical training in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medical methods at legally recognized traditional medical diagnosis and treatment facilities after obtaining the Certificate of Achieving Level 2 or higher, confirmed in writing by the head of such facility.

3. Regarding confirmation of agreement from the Traditional Medicine Association: Being confirmed in writing by the Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine on the scope of professional activities and professional ethics to practice traditional medical diagnosis and treatment.

Article 5. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Practicing as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner for the subjects specified in Clause 4, Article 1 of this Circular

4. Regarding other conditions: Meeting all conditions stipulated in Clauses 3 and 4, Article 2 of this Circular.

1. Regarding theoretical knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medical methods: Having been issued a Certificate of Meeting Conditions for Practicing Medicine, Traditional Medicine, and Private Medical Equipment by the Provincial Department of Health with the scope of practice being traditional medical diagnosis and treatment, pulse examination, prescription writing, and herbal preparation according to Circular No. 07/2007/TT-BYT but not being a Doctor or Traditional Medicine Practitioner and not having obtained a Certificate of Practicing as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner.

2. Regarding confirmation of agreement from the Traditional Medicine Association: Being confirmed in writing by the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine on the scope of professional activities and professional ethics to practice traditional medical diagnosis and treatment.

Article 6. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Practicing as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner for the subjects specified in Clause 5, Article 1 of this Circular

1. Regarding theoretical knowledge of traditional medicine: Possessing a certificate confirming participation in a refresher course on traditional medicine organized by a traditional medicine institute, hospital, Traditional Medicine Association, Acupuncture Association at the provincial level or above, or specialized schools of medicine and pharmacy, with a total duration of at least six months prior to the effectiveness of this Circular.ớ2. Regarding experience in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medical methods:

a) If the practitioner works at a commune health station, they must be confirmed in writing by the Head of the Commune Health Station. The basis for confirmation is based on the labor contract or other documents proving participation in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medical methods for at least 30 years without any professional errors and being trusted by patients.

b) If practicing at traditional medical diagnosis and treatment facilities or private traditional medical clinics, in addition to confirmation by the Head of the Commune Health Station, the practitioner must also be confirmed by the head of the facility.

c) Persons confirming as specified in Point a and Point b of this Clause shall bear legal responsibility for the contents of their confirmation.

3. Regarding confirmation of agreement from the Traditional Medicine Association: Being confirmed in writing by the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine on the scope of professional activities and professional ethics to practice traditional medical diagnosis and treatment.

4. Being at least 55 years old as of the date this Circular takes effect.

3. Regarding confirmation of approval from the Traditional Medicine Association: Being officially confirmed in writing by the Provincial Traditional Medicine Association regarding the scope of professional activities and professional ethics for practicing diagnosis and treatment using traditional medicine.

4. Being at least 55 years old as of the effective date of this Circular.

Article 7. Conditions for issuing a Certificate as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner for the subject specified in Clause 6, Article 1 of this Circularnational1. Regarding theoretical knowledge of traditional medicine: Possess all course certificates as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular.

2. Regarding examination results: Have passed the final standardized Traditional Medicine Practitioner examination organized by the Ministry of Health according to Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT but have not yet been issued a Certificate as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner.

AUTHORITY, APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING AND REISSUING CERTIFICATES AS TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS

3. Regarding confirmation of approval from the Traditional Medicine Association: Being officially confirmed in writing by the Provincial Traditional Medicine Association regarding the scope of professional activities and professional ethics for practicing diagnosis and treatment using traditional medicine.

Chapter II

Article 8. Authority to issue and reissue Certificates as Traditional Medicine Practitioners 1. The Minister of Health authorizes the Director of the Department of Traditional Medicine and Traditional Pharmaceutical Management to issue and reissue Certificates as Traditional Medicine Practitioners for subjects specified in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 1 of this Circular.

2. The Director of the Provincial Health Department shall issue and reissue Certificates as Traditional Medicine Practitioners for subjects specified in Clauses 1, 4, 5, and 6, Article 1 of this Circular within their jurisdiction.oArticle 9. Application for issuance of a Certificate as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner

a) An application form for a Certificate as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner according to the model prescribed in Appendix No. 01 attached to this Circular.

b) A personal curriculum vitae with confirmation from the People's Committee of the commune, ward, or town where the applicant resides (within six months from the date of submission of the application).

c) Two color photographs measuring 4 x 6 cm on a white background (within six months from the date of submission of the application).

1. The documents include:

d) Two envelopes with stamps and clearly marked with the name and address of the recipient.

2. For the subject specified in Clause 1, Article 1 of this Circular, in addition to the application documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, must supplement:

a) Certified copies of course certificates as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular;

b) A certificate confirming the internship process in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine according to the model prescribed in Appendix No. 02 attached to this Circular;

c) Certified copies of educational diplomas.

3. For the subject specified in Clause 2, Article 1 of this Circular, in addition to the application documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, must supplement:

a) Certified copies of the Certificate as a Specialized Traditional Medicine Practitioner along with the grade sheet issued by the Vietnam Association of Oriental Medicine according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 1 of this Circular;

4. For the subject specified in Clause 3, Article 1 of this Circular, in addition to the application documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, must supplement:

a) Certified copies of the Certificate indicating Level 2 Medical Assistant qualifications issued by the Central Board of Pure Land Lay Buddhist Association of Vietnam.

5. For the subject specified in Clause 4, Article 1 of this Circular, in addition to the application documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, must supplement:

a) Certified copies of the Certificate as a Specialized Traditional Medicine Practitioner along with the grade sheet issued by the Vietnam Association of Oriental Medicine according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 1 of this Circular;

4. For the subject specified in Clause 3, Article 1 of this Circular, in addition to the application documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, must supplement:

Certified copies of the Certificate indicating eligibility to practice traditional medicine, traditional medical equipment, with the scope of practice being diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine, taking (examining) pulses, prescribing, and dispensing medicines according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 5 of this Circular.

6. For the subject specified in Clause 5, Article 1 of this Circular, in addition to the application documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, must supplement:

a) Certified copies of the Certificate as a Specialized Traditional Medicine Practitioner along with the grade sheet issued by the Vietnam Association of Oriental Medicine according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 1 of this Circular;

4. For the subject specified in Clause 3, Article 1 of this Circular, in addition to the application documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, must supplement:

a) A declaration of professional experience confirmed in writing by the Head of the Commune Health Station. Additionally, if practicing at traditional medicine clinics or private traditional medicine treatment rooms, further confirmations in writing by the heads of these institutions according to the model prescribed in Appendix No. 03 attached to this Circular must be provided.

b) Certified copies of educational diplomas, certificates, and attendance certificates for courses on traditional medicine.

7. For the subject specified in Clause 6, Article 1 of this Circular, in addition to the application documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, must supplement:

a) Certified copies of course certificates as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular;

b) Certified copies of the final examination results grade sheet organized by the Examination Board of the Ministry of Health according to Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT;

c) A certificate confirming the internship process in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine according to the model prescribed in Appendix No. 02 attached to this Circular.

a) Certified copies of the course certificates as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 2 of this Circular;

b) Certified copies of the final examination results issued by the Examination Board organized by the Ministry of Health according to Circular No. 13/1999/TT-BYT;

c) A certificate confirming the internship period in diagnosing and treating diseases using traditional medicine, following the model provided in Appendix No. 02 attached to this Circular.

Article 10. Procedures for issuing the Certificate are lconcerning the classification and determination of state management authority in the field of crop productionoArticle 9. Application for issuance of a Certificate as a Traditional Medicine Practitioner

1. The subjects specified in Clause 2 and Clause 3, Article 1 of this Circular shall submit one set of dossier in accordance with the regulations to the Ministry of Health (Traditional Medicine Management Department); the subjects specified in Clauses 1, 4, 5, and 6, Article 1 of this Circular shall submit one set of dossier in accordance with the regulations to the Provincial Department of Health where they reside.

2. Procedure for handling:

a) After receiving the dossier, the dossier reception unit shall issue to the dossier submitter a Receipt Form in accordance with Model 04 attached to this Circular;

b) In case the dossier is not valid, within five working days from the date recorded on the Receipt Form, the Ministry of Health (Traditional Medicine Management Department) or the Provincial Department of Health must notify the dossier submitter to request supplementary information;

c) Within ten working days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier, the Secretariat of the Examination Board must conduct a dossier review to classify and prepare lists as follows:

- Classify subjects who need to undergo examination and certification as licensed practitioners as those specified in Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 3, Article 1 of this Circular: prepare a list of eligible cases and a list of ineligible cases for examination and certification to be sent to the Examination Board;

- Classify subjects who do not need to undergo examination and certification as licensed practitioners as those specified in Clause 4, Clause 5, and Clause 6, Article 1 of this Circular: prepare a list of eligible cases and a list of ineligible cases for issuance of the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner to be sent to the Examination Board.

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

- For eligible cases for issuance of the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner: the Examination Board sends the list to the Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine or the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine to request confirmation of agreement in accordance with the regulations. After obtaining the agreement of the Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine or the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine, the Examination Board requests the Minister of Health or the Director of the Provincial Department of Health to issue the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner.

- For eligible cases for examination and certification: the Examination Board prepares a plan to organize the examination and certification.

In case of ineligible cases for issuance of the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner or ineligible cases for examination and certification, the Examination Board must issue a written notification of reasons to the concerned party.

e) Within fifteen days after the examination and certification, the Examination Board prepares a list of successful cases and sends it to the Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine or the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine to request confirmation of agreement in accordance with the regulations, while notifying the examination results to each subject individually. After obtaining the agreement of the Association of Traditional Medicine, the Examination Board requests the Minister of Health or the Director of the Provincial Department of Health to issue the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner.

Article 11. Regulations on requesting confirmation of agreement of the Association of Traditional Medicine regarding the scope of professional activities and professional ethics

1. The Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine confirms the agreement on the scope of professional activities and professional ethics for the subjects specified in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 1 of this Circular.

2. The Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine confirms the agreement on the scope of professional activities and professional ethics for the subjects specified in Clauses 1, 4, 5, and 6, Article 1 of this Circular.

3. Basis for confirming the agreement of the Association of Traditional Medicine: The Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine or the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine bases on the proposal of the Examination Board and the monitoring process of the practice of the subject to confirm the scope of professional activities and professional ethics for each subject.

a) The Secretariat of the Examination Board sends the list of eligible subjects for issuance of the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner to request confirmation of agreement from the Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine or the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine;

b) The Vietnam Association of Traditional Medicine or the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine bases on the proposal of the Examination Board and the monitoring process of the Association to confirm the scope of professional activities and professional ethics for each subject.

Article 12. Provisions on the Confirmation of Internship

1. Persons authorized to confirm internship:

The heads of legitimate traditional medicine healthcare facilities shall confirm internships for individuals who have participated in internships at such facilities and shall be legally responsible for the content of their confirmation.

2. Content of confirmation:

a) Confirmation of internship duration: from day/month/year to day/month/year;

b) Confirmation of scope of professional activities (including theoretical knowledge of traditional medicine and practical experience in traditional medical diagnosis and treatment);

c) Confirmation of professional ethics.

3. Basis for confirmation:

The heads of traditional medicine healthcare facilities shall base their confirmation on the following grounds:

a) Grounds for confirming internship duration: permits issued by the Provincial Health Department allowing work at the facility or other relevant documents;

b) Grounds for confirming sufficient professional experience: results of the internship practice, knowledge of theoretical expertise, and experience gained during the internship process;

c) Grounds for confirming professional ethics: the intern's conduct towards patients and colleagues during the diagnosis and treatment process.

Article 13. Scope of Professional Activities

1. Based on the content learned and reinforced as recorded in certificates, confirmations, and certificates of qualification, examination results, internship content, and confirmation of the internship process, the Minister of Health or the Director of the Provincial Health Department shall determine the scope of professional activities for each case according to regulations.

2. In cases where individuals are trained by the Vietnamese Buddhist Layman Association and meet the conditions to be recognized as a licensed practitioner, the scope of professional activities is the diagnosis and treatment using herbal medicine or non-drug methods of traditional medicine, or both.

3. For other individuals who meet the conditions to be recognized as licensed practitioners, the scope of professional activities is the diagnosis and treatment using traditional medicine.

Article 14. Provisions on Management, Record Keeping, and Issuance of Certificates of Licensed Practitioner

1. Model Certificate of Licensed Practitioner:

The model Certificate of Licensed Practitioner is issued by the Ministry of Health according to Appendix No. 05, and by the Provincial Health Department according to Appendix No. 06, as promulgated with this Circular.

2. Each individual may only be issued one Certificate of Licensed Practitioner; if lost or damaged, it may be reissued. The Certificate of Licensed Practitioner has perpetual validity.

3. The file for issuing the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner shall be stored at the issuing location in accordance with legal provisions on record keeping.

Article 15. Files and Procedures for Reissuing the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner

1. Files for reissuing the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner:

a) A request for reissuing the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner according to the form prescribed in Appendix No. 07, as promulgated with this Circular;

b) Two color photographs measuring 4x6 cm taken against a white background (no older than six months from the date of submission);

c) Two envelopes with stamps and clearly marked with the name and address of the recipient.

2. Procedures for reissuing the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner:

a) The individual requesting the reissuance of the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner shall submit one set of files to the Ministry of Health (Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau) or the Provincial Health Department where the certificate was originally issued.

b) Upon receipt of the files, the file reception department shall issue a file receipt to the applicant according to the form prescribed in Appendix No. 04, as promulgated with this Circular.

c) Within seven working days from the date of receiving a valid application for reissuance of the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner (if invalid, a supplementary document must be requested), the Minister of Health or the Director of the Provincial Health Department shall reissue the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner; if not reissued, a reply document explaining the reasons must be provided.

Chapter III

ORGANIZATION OF EXAMINATION AND ISSUANCE OF THE LICENSED PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATE PRIOR TO ISSUANCE

3. Amend Clause 3 Article 2 as follows:Article 16. TEstablishment HBoard and T, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP TSecretariat for Examination

1. The Minister of Health shall establish an Examination Board and a Secretariat to assist the Examination Board in issuing the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner for individuals within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health to issue such certificates, consisting of:

a) Chairman of the Board: The Director of the Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau;

b) Vice Chairmen of the Board:

- The Deputy Director of the Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau in charge of practice - Acting Vice Chairman;

- The Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Central Vietnam Traditional Medicine Association;

c) Members of the Board:

- Members of the Board are leaders of units:

The number is three leaders from three units selected from among the following: Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine; Central Traditional Medicine Hospital; Central Acupuncture Hospital; or Institute of Ethnic Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City; Traditional Medicine Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City; Traditional Medicine Department of Hanoi Medical University or Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy;

- Members of the Board are doctors of traditional medicine or licensed practitioners: The number ranges from three to four persons decided by the Chairman of the Board based on specific circumstances.

- The Chairman of the Board may invite additional physicians specializing in traditional medicine to participate in drafting the examination questions, answers, and examinations as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 18 and Clauses 3, 4, Article 19 of this Circular based on specific circumstances.

d) Composition of the Secretariat: Four members

- Two officers of the Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau, including at least one officer overseeing practice management. The Director of the Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau designates one of the two officers above as the Secretariat Head.

- One officer from the Central Vietnam Traditional Medicine Association and one officer from the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine.

2. The Director of the Provincial Health Department shall establish an Examination Board and a Secretariat to assist the Examination Board in issuing the Certificate of Licensed Practitioner for individuals within the jurisdiction of the Provincial Health Department Director to issue such certificates.

a) Composition of the Provincial Health Department Examination Board includes:

- Chairman of the Board: A representative of the Provincial Health Department leadership responsible for traditional medicine.

- Vice Chairman of the Board: The Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Provincial Traditional Medicine Association.

- Members of the Board: Five members

+ 02 representatives from the Traditional Medicine Department of a college or secondary health vocational school in the province (if available), or the leader of the Provincial Traditional Medicine Hospital or the Head of the Traditional Medicine Department at the provincial general hospital (for provinces without a Provincial Traditional Medicine Hospital);

+ 03 traditional medicine doctors or licensed traditional medicine practitioners as decided by the Chairman of the Council.

+ The Chairman of the Council may invite additional traditional medicine practitioners to participate in the examination and assessment as stipulated in Clause 3 and Clause 4 of Article 19 of this Circular based on specific circumstances.

b) Members of the Secretariat Team: 03 persons including 01 team leader and 02 team members

- Leader of the Secretariat Team: The leader of the Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Management Department, or the Practice Management Department or the Professional Affairs Department of the Provincial Health Department;

- The team members include:

+ 01 staff member of the Traditional Medicine and Pharmaceutical Management Department or 01 staff member of the Practice Management Department or 01 staff member responsible for traditional medicine and pharmaceutical affairs;

+ 01 officer of the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine or 01 officer of the secondary or college health vocational school in the province.

Article 17. Duties of the Examination and Assessment Council and the Secretariat Team

1. Duties of the Examination and Assessment Council:

a) Review and approve lists of individuals meeting and not meeting the conditions to be examined and assessed before issuing the Licensed Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate;

b) Organize examinations and assessments:

- Report to the Ministry of Health or the Director of the Provincial Health Department the plan, time, and location for organizing the examination;

- Conduct the examination and assessment according to the provisions of Article 19 of this Circular, organize grading;

c) Approve the results of theoretical and practical examinations of each individual, list those who meet the requirements and propose the Minister of Health or the Director of the Provincial Health Department to issue the Licensed Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate within their authority.

2. Duties of the Secretariat Team:

a) Study files:

- Classify individuals eligible for the Licensed Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate without undergoing examination and assessment and those required to pass the examination and assessment before receiving the certificate;

- Prepare lists of individuals meeting and not meeting the conditions to receive the Licensed Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate;

- Lists of individuals meeting and not meeting the conditions to participate in the examination and assessment;

b) Announce the time, place, and registration number for each eligible participant in the examination and assessment;

c) Contact the Ministry of Health to receive theoretical examination questions, answers, and ensure confidentiality, preventing the disclosure of examination questions;

d) Prepare paper and patients to organize theoretical and practical examination and assessment;

đ) Separate and match answer sheets for theoretical examination, compile score sheets for theoretical and practical examination and assessment of each individual to report to the Examination and Assessment Council for approval;

e) Archive documents related to the activities of the Examination and Assessment Council and examination papers;

g) Send the list of individuals meeting the conditions to receive the Licensed Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate to the Vietnam Central Association of Traditional Medicine or the Provincial Association of Traditional Medicine for confirmation of agreement regarding the scope of professional activities and professional ethics as stipulated in Article 11 of this Circular;

h) Prepare a list proposing the competent authority to issue the Licensed Traditional Medicine Practitioner Certificate to individuals meeting the conditions.

Article 18. Authority to issue examination questions

1. Theoretical examination questions: The Director of the Traditional Medicine Management Department shall be responsible for organizing the drafting and managing the theoretical examination question bank, including model answers for marking along with the examination questions.

2. Practical examination: The Chairman of the Examination Board shall organize the practical examination and score according to the scale specified in Clause 4, Article 19 of this Circular.

Article 19. Organization of examinations, examination formats, examination contents, marking methods, and examination result calculation methods

1. Examination organization plan:

a) Depending on the number of examinees, the Examination Board decides the time and location for the examination.

b) In cases where the number of examinees is small and insufficient funds are available to organize the examination, the Provincial Health Department may coordinate with another Provincial Health Department to organize it; if coordination is not possible, they must report to the Ministry of Health (Traditional Medicine Management Department) for the Ministry to designate one Provincial Health Department to coordinate with other Provincial Health Departments to organize the examination.

c) The Provincial Health Department must report the examination plan to the Ministry of Health (Traditional Medicine Management Department) for general monitoring and supervision.

2. Examination formats:

a) Theoretical examination: Written test format, duration of 180 minutes.

b) Practical examination: Question-and-answer assessment based on traditional medical case quality, diagnostic skills, treatment methods, and herbal prescriptions for specific diseases and symptoms.

3. Examination contents:

a) Theoretical examination content: General theory; disease studies and treatment methods, herbs, prescriptions (for objects under the Vietnamese Buddhist Association, the prescription content is assessed according to southern herbs and prescriptions) and non-herbal traditional medicine methods.

b) Practical examination: Each examinee randomly selects a patient at a healthcare facility designated by the Examination Board to treat using traditional medicine methods. The treatment case preparation time does not exceed 60 minutes. Examination Board members assigned to review and evaluate the quality of the treatment case and assess certain practical skills such as diagnosis techniques (observation, inquiry, questioning, palpation), analysis of herb effects, and the significance of herb combinations in prescriptions related to the patient.

4. Marking organization and point calculation method:

a) Theoretical examination paper: After unsealing, two (02) members of the Examination Board independently mark the theoretical paper on a scale of ten points. The scores from the two markers should not differ by more than one (01) point. If the difference exceeds one (01) point or if there is a request for a recheck, the paper must be transferred to the Chairman of the Examination Board to organize a public marking session by the entire Board. If the difference is within one (01) point, the examination score is the average of the two examiners' scores.

b) Practical examination scoring:

- Two members of the Examination Board conduct the practical examination and score independently. The practical examination score is the average of the two examiners' scores. There is no recheck for the practical examination score.

- The practical examination scoring method is as follows:

+ Diagnostic skills (Observation, Inquiry, Questioning, Palpation): Maximum 2 points

+ Correct diagnosis: 3 points, incorrect diagnosis receives no points.

+ Appropriate treatment methods and prescriptions: Maximum 3 points.

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

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

5. Examination results:

a) A person who meets the requirements is one who achieves a score of five (05) points or higher in both theoretical and practical examinations.

b) A person who does not meet the requirements is one who scores below five (05) points in either the theoretical or practical examination.

In cases where the examination requirements are not met, the person has the right to apply for a retake examination after twelve (12) months. They will be scheduled for a retake examination when conditions permit during the next round. The retake examination content includes both theoretical and practical parts as specified in Clause 3 of this Article.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 20. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from November 26, 2015. Previous regulations contrary to this Circular are abolished.

2. Certificates of Traditional Medical Practitioner and certificates of qualification for traditional medical practice issued according to previous Circulars before the effective date of this Circular remain valid for issuing traditional medical practice licenses in accordance with the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment.

Article 21. Fees and charges for professional support, inspection, issuance, and reissuance of the Certificate of Traditional Medicine PractitionerəmAny person requesting the issuance or reissuance of the Certificate of Traditional Medicine Practitioner must pay fees and charges as prescribed. The Director of the Department of Traditional Medicine and the Director of the Provincial Health Department shall manage and utilize such fees and charges in accordance with current regulations.

The applicant for issuance or reissuance of the Certificate of Practitioner must pay fees as prescribed. The Director of the Department of Traditional Medicine Management under the Ministry of Health and the Director of the Provincial Health Department shall manage and utilize these fees in accordance with current regulations.

Article 22. Responsibility for enforcement

1. The Heads of the Ministry's Office, the Director of the Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacology, the Head of the Legal Affairs Department, the Inspector General of the Ministry, the Heads of all Departments, the Directors of all Departments under the Ministry of Health, the Directors of Provincial Health Departments, and the Directors of Municipal Health Departments directly under the Central Government are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. The Director of the Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacology shall sign the Certificate of Traditional Medicine Practitioner, organize, monitor, and inspect the implementation of this Circular.

In the course of implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, they are requested to promptly report them to the Ministry of Health (Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacology) for consideration and resolution./.