Question

Describe how the laws in the United States affects CAM practices.

Answer 1

Ans) Pharmacists and physicians currently lack the knowledge, confidence, and training to provide proper guidance to the increasing number of patients who are using CAM therapies.

- Although the federal government, academia, and the private sector have begun to offer more support for education, research, and the integration of CAM with conventional medicine, more initiatives are needed.

- In the meantime, professional standards regarding CAM that have been issued for pharmacists and physicians are an important source of guidance with respect to providing patient counseling and utilizing these treatments.

- State (not federal) law controls much of CAM practice. However, a significant federal role exists in the regulation of dietary supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates foods, drugs, and cosmetics in interstate commerce.