Since 2003 Homeopathy treatment has been regulated by the Portuguese Law No 45/2003 of 22 August 2003 on the provision of non-conventional therapies (231). It is legal to practise homeopathy in Portugal both for health professionals and for non-medical professionals according to the legislation passed in 2003 (50).
Homeopath is not a protected title in Portugal (50). Homeopathy is neither reimbursed by social security nor covered by private insurance (60).
The statutory regulation for non-conventional practitioners states that in order for someone to practise homeopathy they have to be registered through the Government established system (50, 231). Homeopathy is registered as no. 2230.2 in the Portuguese Classification of Occupations 2010 (http://aphomeopatia.weebly.com).
The Portuguese Medical Association does not recognise homeopathy. However doctors are allowed to prescribe as they deem right for their patients (Freedom of Therapy) (60).
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)
50. ECCH. The Legal Situation for the Practice of Homeopathy in Europe; An ECCH report; Oct 2010; Revised Edition 2011,. Brussels: European Central Council of Homeopaths 2010.
60. ECHAMP. Homeopathic and Anthroposophic Medicine: Facts and Figures. Second Edition ed: ECHAMP E.E.I.G: European Coalition on Homeopathic and Anthroposophic Medicinal Products E.E.I.G; 2007.
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).
The Central Administration of the Health System (‘Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde’, ACSS) accessed 18th June 2019)
