Changes in the traditional Korean medical sector as a result of health related legislation

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of changes in the legal systems related to traditional Korean medicine (TKM) and their effect on health care in Korea. To cope with the many changes and challenges in the Korean health care system, health law has been used as an instrument to implement national health policies and support the developments of health systems. In particular, the Medical Service Act, amended in 1951, was the key factor for the coexistence of TKM and Western medicine in Korea. For systematizing the TKM, the roles of the National Health Insurance Act and the Medical Service Act were crucial. Considering Korea's experiences, health laws related to TKM were designed to regulate the health care system and have contributed to improve the quality and safety of TKM.