ors to practice almost any kind of medicine they wish. Others, rightly in NCAHF’s opinion, require that health care be held to rational and responsible standards. To its credit, the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners revoked the license of the state’s only practicing homeopath, concluding that he was “failing to conform to the standards of acceptable and prevailing medical practice.” This resulted in a prolonged legal battle over the ability of a licensing board to impose standards of practice on its constituency. The state legislature eventually passed a law that limited the board’s disciplinary power undermining the consumer protection aspects of responsible medicine.
Adopted February, 1994 by the National Council Against Health Fraud.
Copyright © 1994. All Rights Reserved.
Be aware that homeopathic products and services are marketed in a “buyer beware” situation at present. Homeopathic products are not required to meet the standards of effectiveness of drugs. Homeopathic services are poorly regulated. Physicians who practice homeopathy operate below the standards of responsible medicine. Some have backgrounds that raise serious questions about their honesty. Be aware that in some states that have homeopathic licensing boards the “foxes are guarding the chicken coops.” Consumers should not entrust their health to physicians or non-physicians who practice homeopathy.
To Basic Scientists
Homeopathy conflicts more with basic laws of physics, chemistry and pharmacology than with clinical medicine. Pharmacologists should be more proactive in opposing the marketing of homeopathic remedies. Because homeopathic theories contradict known physical laws, tests of homeopathic remedies require controls beyond those normally required of double-blind clinical trials including additional measures to show that fraud was not possible.
To the U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Require that labels of homeopathic products indicate the precise amounts of ingredients in milligrams, micrograms, etc.
- Require homeopathic products to meet the efficacy standards of all other drugs.
To the U.S. Federal Trade Commission
- Review advertising of homeopathic products in publications aimed at the public for false and misleading claims.
- Monitor and take action against advertisements in trade publications used to indoctrinate salespeople, who will in turn deceive consumers about the value of homeopathic products.
To U.S. Postal Inspectors
Prosecute distributors of homeopathic mail-order products that make unproven medical claims for mail fraud.
To State Legislators
Because homeopathy is scientifically indefensible: (1) Enact laws requiring that medical products sold within your state meet the standards of accurate labeling, truthful advertising, and pre-marketing proof of safety and effectiveness. (2) Abolish state licensing boards for homeopathy. (3) Do not allow homeopathy in the scope of practice of any health care provider.
To State Food & Drug Regulators
Take prompt regulatory action against manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of homeopathic products who violate the law.
To Medical Licensing Boards
- Discipline homeopathic practitioners for unprofessional conduct.
- Prosecute non-physicians engaging in homeopathy for practicing medicine without a license.
Because homeopathy is scientifically indefensible:
- Enact laws requiring that medical products sold within your state meet the standards of accurate labeling, truthful advertising, and pre-marketing proof of safety and effectiveness.
- Abolish state licensing boards for homeopathy.
- Do not allow homeopathy in the scope of practice of any health care provider..