The Department of Health is investigating a case involving a registered Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP) who allegedly issued sick leave certificates without conducting patient consultations.

In response to media reports, the department today confirmed it has referred the matter to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK) and the Hong Kong Police Force for investigation and follow-up.

The department emphasised that CMPs must adhere to the “Reference Guide on Issuance of Sick Leave Certificate and Certificate of Attendance by Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners”. Such documents should only be issued where justified, based on the practitioner’s professional judgment and the individual circumstances of each patient.

If a CMP engages in conduct that falls short of expected professional standards, the CMCHK will handle the matter in accordance with relevant statutory regulations. The department noted that in previous cases, CMPs who issued misleading or false sick leave certificates were found guilty of professional misconduct and removed from the register following CMCHK disciplinary inquiries.

Members of the public who are dissatisfied with the practice or conduct of a CMP are urged to lodge a written complaint with the Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board.