Legal issues in alternative health care

This article reviews the use of alternative and complementary health care practices by orthodox medical practitioners. Many alternative modalities such as chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathic, and homeopathic treatments are available, and modern patients who are increasingly "consumer-oriented" and educated may inquire about these treatments. The article examines issues of informed consent, standards, procedures, and liability as they relate to a medical practice that opts to provide alternative treatments.