State medical boards often oppose, or are suspicious of, therapies that fall outside the paradigm of conventional health care. The consequences of this can range anywhere from a simple lack of availability to aggressive action taken by states to suspend or revoke the licenses of CAM practitioners. Legislation Health freedom legislation seeks to legally ensure broad access to safe, effective CAM therapies, but only a handful of states have passed these acts. These new laws are generally designed to protect alternative care providers from persecution by government agencies and to broaden consumers' rights to choose their methods of health care. Because accessibility varies from state to state, finding available CAM therapies is a bit like solving a puzzle.
Some states allow a wide variety of treatments with little formal regulation.
Although most states have a history of allowing homeopathy, just who can practice it varies from state to state. Three states, Arizona, Connecticutt, and Nevada, will license homeopaths, but only if they're already licensed as physicians. Health insurance coverage for CAM therapies is another confusing issue from state to state. Finding a Practitioner Consumers have to educate themselves and take the time to research what CAM therapies and insurance benefits are available in the state in which they live. If you're confused about what's available or have concerns about licensure and regulatory issues, it's best to check with your state medical board.