Category: Legal
An Independence Day Tribute to Vaccination
In language that still resonates, Jacobson v. Massachusetts (U.S. Supreme Court, 1905) affirmed state authority to protect health, safety and welfare for the common good with mandatory vaccination despite individual non-medical objections.
Patients Blinded by Stem Cell Therapy: FDA (and consumers) win a legal victory!
The Food and Drug Administration just won a court case supporting the agency's ability to regulate stem cell clinics that rely on client-derived adipose tissues. This is a win for consumer protection, though too late to help those already harmed.
Walmart sued for deceiving customers in selling homeopathic remedies
A lawsuit claiming Walmart fraudulently deceives consumers in the sale of worthless homeopathic remedies has been filed by the Center for Inquiry (CFI), acting on behalf of the general public. CFI says co-mingling ineffective homeopathic products with science-based treatments on Walmart's pharmacy shelves and website misleads customers into thinking they are equivalent, when "there is not a shred of credible scientific evidence"...
FDA: No CBD in dietary supplements or foods for now, but let’s talk
The FDA reminds everyone that (no matter what your state says) CBD is not a legal ingredient in dietary supplements and foods. The agency is willing to explore changes to the law but unproven claims for CBD health benefits, such cancer cures, will not be tolerated.
Maine considers protecting quacks from accountability to regulators and patients
The Maine Legislature is considering a bill that would put quacks beyond the reach of state healthcare regulatory authorities and leave patients without effective redress for harms.
Another Measles Outbreak – Blame Antivaxxers
We are in the midst of record-breaking measles outbreaks. This is the time to push for stronger regulations and to get rid of non-medical exemptions.
Update on Glyphosate
A legal decision against the makers of glyphosate is not supported by the science.
Drug maker challenges FDA on animal testing
A drug maker claims an FDA-required toxicity study in animals is unnecessary to determine safety and urges others to question the routine use of animal testing.
Why I Quit My Massage Therapy Career
Years ago, I was accused by my profession's regulator of being an ‘unprofessional’ Registered Massage Therapist for criticizing pseudoscience in alternative medicine. I accepted an unusual public reprimand and made a few changes to my website, but my regulator pressed their case, effectively demanding that I quit writing altogether. I quit the profession instead.
Legislative Alchemy 2018: Acupuncturists seek practice expansion and competition elimination
Acupuncturists want to expand their scope of practice far beyond sticking needles in people. Too many states are allowing them to treat pretty much anything with unproven and potentially dangerous remedies.