In an open letter, the American Herbal Products Association’s (AHPA) president, Michael McGuffin delivered his insight of the herbal and dietary supplement industry’s future within the Senate version of the health care legislation. Citing various sections of the bill and its significance to the industry was the main focus of the information he provided in his letter.

Multiple sections in the legislation referenced the role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in terms of “wellness plans”, health insurance and licensed providers and practitioners who may recommend, prescribe or provide information on dietary supplements to the public. Section 2706 would prohibit the “discrimination” of these state licensed providers who may provide CAM for their patient’s treatment.  Another section from the legislature focuses on “health claims approved by the Secretary.” This refers to ingredients with proven health claims such as Folic Acid and Calcium.

 As the debate continues about the current state of health care and the focus grows towards wellness using alternative supplements, the dietary supplement industry continues to receive just the push it needs to become the mainstream and part of the awareness to the health profession, but most importantly – the consumer.