House Decides to Create Commission on Alternative Medicine

Dozens of people who believe in alternative medicine converged on the capital city Monday and successfully protected their choice of treatment.

House Bill 1049 would have made it a felony for anyone other than a licensed medical doctor to diagnose and treat illness.

The North Carolina Medical Board believes licensing will not do away with natural healing methods, but instead ensure training guidelines to protect consumers.

But, many critics worry that regulation is a way to curb the popularity of herbal remedies. They contend that someone does not have to have an M.D. by his or her name in order to help sick people.

Legislators decided to create a study commission consisting of traditional and alternative health care practitioners. They hope to reach a compromise on licensing and regulation.