The evolving doctrine of informed consent for complementary and integrative therapy

Complementary and integrative therapy is evolving toward greater acceptance and practice by the mainstream healthcare. As with any therapeutic intervention, moral and ethical issues that arise require careful attention in ensuring that healthcare decision making and the consenting process are conducted legally and ethically while respecting and preserving fundamental human rights. Critical to the informed consent process is unrestricted practitioner-patient communication and disclosure of available alternative therapies.