From 2002 the Medical Council included medical acupuncture as a medical competency (233) integrated in medical practice (i.e. not considered non-conventional therapy). Since 2003 Acupuncture treatment provided by non-medical practitioners has been regulated by the Portuguese Law No 45/2003 of 22 August 2003 on the provision of non-conventional therapies (231).
On September 2, 2013 the Portuguese government introduced new regulation on Acupuncture, Phytotherapy, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Naturopathy, Osteopathy and Chiropractic. (1st Series No. 168-2-September 2013 1 Law No. 71/2013 September 2 amends law no 45/2003 of 22 August). The law relates to exercise of professional activities applied in non-conventional therapies.
It applies to all professionals engaged in the practice of the above listed treatments. Professional titles are protected and are only allowed to holders of the relevant practicing certificate. The Central Administration of the Health System (‘Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde’, ACSS) established and maintains an updated, official register of those CAM professionals affected by the law (319).
231. Portuguese Law No 45/2003 of 22 august 2003 on the provision of non-conventional therapies: Project of law No 263/IX (for framing the base of the non-conventional medicines) and Project of law No 27/IX (Legal procedures of the non-conventional therapies). Assembleia da República(2003).
233. Almeida J. Email: Some information about CAM and Portugal. Birmingham 2011
The Central Administration of the Health System (‘Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde’, ACSS) accessed 18th June 2019
