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Background Health practitioner regulation (HPR) systems are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in supporting health workforce availability, accessibility, quality, and sustainability, while promoting patient safety. This review aimed to identify evidence on the design, delivery and effectiveness of HPR to inform policy decisions. Methods We conducted an integrative analysis of literature published between 2010 and 2021. Fourteen databases were systematically searched, with data extracted and synthesized based on a modified Donabedian framework. Findings This large-scale review synthesized evidence from a range of academic (n = 410) and grey literature ( n  = 426) relevant to HPR. We identified key themes and findings for a series of HPR topics organized according to our structures–processes–outcomes conceptual framework. Governance reforms in HPR are shifting towards multi-profession regulators, enhanced accountability, and risk-based approaches; however, comparisons between HPR models were complicated by a lack of a standardized HPR typology. HPR can support government workforce strategies, despite persisting challenges in cross-border recognition of qualifications and portability of registration. Scope of practice reform adapted to modern health systems can improve access and quality. Alternatives to statutory registration for lower-risk health occupations can improve services and protect the public, while standardized evaluation frameworks can aid regulatory strengthening. Knowledge gaps remain around the outcomes and effectiveness of HPR processes, including continuing professional development models, national licensing examinations, accreditation of health practitioner education programs, mandatory reporting obligations, remediation programs, and statutory registration of traditional and complementary medicine practitioners. Conclusion We identified key themes, issues, and evidence gaps valuable for governments, regulators, and health system leaders. We also identified evidence base limitations that warrant caution when interpreting and generalizing the results across jurisdictions and professions. Themes and findings reflect interests and concerns in high-income Anglophone countries where most literature originated. Most studies were descriptive, resulting in a low certainty of evidence. To inform regulatory design and reform, research funders and governments should prioritize evidence on regulatory outcomes, including innovative approaches we identified in our review. Additionally, a systematic approach is needed to track and evaluate the impact of regulatory interventions and innovations on achieving health workforce and health systems goals.

The widespread use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicines (traditional medicine) across the world suggests that integration of traditional medicine into the formal health system is one strategy for extending universal health coverage (UHC). To improve access to and the quality of traditional medicine services will require attention to strengthening the traditional medicine workforce. The challenges associated with making such improvements should not be underestimated due to the many different practices, service delivery models and education systems for traditional medicine, as well as relevant policy and governance frameworks. Countries have adopted varying strategies to integrate traditional medicine into health systems to date. We consider how to strengthen and build capacity of the traditional medicine workforce so it might better contribute to the UHC agenda. We examine key issues and challenges for traditional medicine, and suggest analytical models for understanding the complexity inherent to integration of traditional medicine and making sense of different components of the traditional medicine workforce.

Statutory registration of Chinese Medicine (CM) practitioners was introduced in Victoria in 2000. The application assessment process for those who were granted registration during the transitional period (2002-04) was resource intensive, as little was known about their age, education, practice and language proficiency. This study offers insights that may be useful for the planning of national registration to commence in 2012. Data were extracted from registration application forms submitted to the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria (CMRB) between 2002 and 2004, using pre-defined data collection forms. In 2006, 639 'grandparented' Victorian CM practitioners had been registered, with a median age of 44 years old (range 23-86). There was a higher proportion of younger female, English-speaking, acupuncturists v. a higher proportion of older male, non-English-speaking, Chinese herbalists. There were few CM practitioners in rural areas, particularly herbalists. More than one-third of practitioners had obtained qualifications overseas and almost half of these practitioners provided no evidence of past study in professional issues and medical ethics. Ageing, diversity in qualifications and training, English proficiency, and level of study in professional issues and medical ethics represent major challenges for the implementation of CM national registration in 2012.

The widespread use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicines (traditional medicine) across the world suggests that integration of traditional medicine into the formal health system is one strategy for extending universal health coverage (UHC). To improve access to and the quality of traditional medicine services will require attention to strengthening the traditional medicine workforce. The challenges associated with making such improvements should not be underestimated due to the many different practices, service delivery models and education systems for traditional medicine, as well as relevant policy and governance frameworks. Countries have adopted varying strategies to integrate traditional medicine into health systems to date. We consider how to strengthen and build capacity of the traditional medicine workforce so it might better contribute to the UHC agenda. We examine key issues and challenges for traditional medicine, and suggest analytical models for understanding the complexity inherent to integration of traditional medicine and making sense of different components of the traditional medicine workforce.

The Naturopathy Registration Research (NRR) Project is a joint initiative of member organisations of the Australian Naturopathic Council (ANC) which includes the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists, Complementary Medicines Association, Endeavour College of Natural Health, Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, and Torrens University/ Southern School of Natural Therapies. The Project is jointly funded by the naturopathic and herbal medicine profession in Australia (and some contributors from other countries) and Dr Marcus Blackmore AM.

Background. Statutory registration of Chinese Medicine (CM) practitioners was introduced in Victoria in 2000. The application assessment process for those who were granted registration during the transitional period (2002-04) was resource intensive, as little was known about their age, education, practice and language proficiency. This study offers insights that may be useful for the planning of national registration to commence in 2012. Methods. Data were extracted from registration application forms submitted to the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria (CMRB) between 2002 and 2004, using pre-defined data collection forms. Results. In 2006, 639 'grandparented' Victorian CM practitioners had been registered, with a median age of 44 years old (range 23-86). There was a higher proportion of younger female, English-speaking, acupuncturists v. a higher proportion of older male, non-English-speaking, Chinese herbalists. There were few CM practitioners in rural areas, particularly herbalists. More than one-third of practitioners had obtained qualifications overseas and almost half of these practitioners provided no evidence of past study in professional issues and medical ethics. Conclusions. Ageing, diversity in qualifications and training, English proficiency, and level of study in professional issues and medical ethics represent major challenges for the implementation of CM national registration in 2012.

Background. Statutory registration of Chinese Medicine (CM) practitioners was introduced in Victoria in 2000. The application assessment process for those who were granted registration during the transitional period (2002-04) was resource intensive, as little was known about their age, education, practice and language proficiency. This study offers insights that may be useful for the planning of national registration to commence in 2012. Methods. Data were extracted from registration application forms submitted to the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria (CMRB) between 2002 and 2004, using pre-defined data collection forms. Results. In 2006, 639 'grandparented' Victorian CM practitioners had been registered, with a median age of 44 years old (range 23-86). There was a higher proportion of younger female, English-speaking, acupuncturists v. a higher proportion of older male, non-English-speaking, Chinese herbalists. There were few CM practitioners in rural areas, particularly herbalists. More than one-third of practitioners had obtained qualifications overseas and almost half of these practitioners provided no evidence of past study in professional issues and medical ethics. Conclusions. Ageing, diversity in qualifications and training, English proficiency, and level of study in professional issues and medical ethics represent major challenges for the implementation of CM national registration in 2012.