OBJECTIVE： To promote the healthy development of TCM decoction piece. METHODS： Based on analyzing the literature， national policy and data， the advantages and urgent problems of bringing TCM decoction piece into the National Essential Medicine List were summarized， and the suggestions for its health development were provided. RESULTS： Bringing TCM decoction piece into the National Essential Medicine List relieved the economic burden of patients and provided opportunity for the development of TCM decoction piece industry. However， it existed problems， such as production， circulation， storage and monitoring； mutual conflict in the relevant supporting policies； inconsistent medicare reimbursement； and urgent improvement of quality standard. CONCLUSIONS： The relevant departments should establish and improve the quality standard system of TCM decoction piece， and clear the varieties of TCM decoction piece in the National Essential Medicine List， perfecting supporting policies such as medicare reimbursement and attaching importance to the training of professional talents can ensure scientific and rational services for the public health.