Lawmaker Calls For Herbal Medicine Regulation

Lawmaker Calls For Herbal Medicine Regulation
State Senator Says Law Would Offer 'Legitimacy'

Reported By Cindy Carter
UPDATED: 7:49 pm CDT May 21, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A state lawmaker is pushing for the regulation of the alternative medicine industry.

Video: Lawmaker: Regulation Offers 'Legitimacy' To Alternative Healing


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A Hohenwald pharmacist was raided recently by the state Board of Medical Examiners for using natural remedies to help his clients.

The state said he's practicing medicine without a license but defenders said he's merely educating people on nontraditional alternatives.

Some state lawmakers want to set boundaries for Tennessee's growing alternative medicine industry.

"We've had people that have been dealing with cancer and we've had people that want to do regular detoxing,” said herbalist Bart James.


James said he knows all about vitamins, minerals and other natural remedies and that many people are asking his help.


He said the alternative health field has tripled in business in the last five years.


"People are ready for another avenue. They know nature has options and they want to find the people to teach them how to help themselves,” he said.


By law, James or his employees can't diagnose or offer cures for a customer’s affliction.


But there is growing concern in the medical field that many of these advisors are offering cures that go against modern medicine.


Some doctors said it also cuts into their business.


The state Department of Health recently decided that Hohenwald pharmacist Larry Rawdon was practicing medicine without a license because he urged clients to use natural alternatives to medical treatment.


Rawdon denies the charge and many said his case demonstrates the need for some clarification.


State Sen. Tim Burchett is sponsoring a bill that would create a licensing board to oversee the natural health field.


He said it would get rid of the spin doctors.


"It would just certify these people and give them some legitimacy,” he said.


James said he is skeptical and said until doctors and lawmakers learn more about his world, there's no real cure for the problem.


Copyright 2007 by WSMV.com. All rights reserved.



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