Legal Parameters of Alternative-Complementary Modalities in Nursing Practice

Complementary and alternative healing modalities are increasing in popularity. Partially in response to client demand and partially because of a strong history in providing care encompassing the whole person, nurses have responded by incorporating selected alternative therapies within select professional services. There are questions, however, as to whether some or all of these modalities are within the boundaries of nursing practice. Because most professional practice acts are vague in relation to specific therapies, a model for legal analysis is presented.