Natural remedies, holistic nursing... question.

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 17, 2011

Herbs aren't considered "drugs" by the FDA, they're considered "food supplements" and as such, you wouldn't be "prescribing." However, you would need to be very careful that you're not "diagnosing."

I made and sold herbal products for many years, and had my own business, and I never ran into any problems. I think it helped that my business was over the internet, so I didn't get very many people who would come in and show me a rash and ask me to tell them what it is. I did get plenty of emails from people asking questions, and I might say "many people find XYZ helpful for that type of skin issue." How you word things is important, and might be the difference between offering a suggestion and diagnosing a problem.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Aug 17, 2011

Check to see if there are any state regulations regarding calling yourself a "nutritionist". In my state there are no restrictions. Unless you are planning to use your nursing license in marketing I would not wave the flag. If you don't intend to cause confusion don't mention it in the first place. If you are marketing yourself as an RN/Nutritionist, expect clients to confuse the roles.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2011

Hello! I wanted to know if a RN would be allowed to open a store or clinic and be allowed to sell, offer advice on holistic herbs, remedies, etc??

I think pretty much any yahoo who wants to can do this.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2011

Hello! I wanted to know if a RN would be allowed to open a store or clinic and be allowed to sell, offer advice on holistic herbs, remedies, etc?? I know we can prescribe medicine, but did not know if we can consult clients on healing remedies. I have looked on my states' nurse practice act and cannot find anything.
Can this be done? I have no idea. Thank you in advance!!

Was the bold supposed to be "can't"???? :confused:

You may want to talk to the BON on this one.....If you have a license, you are liable for what someone with that license would prudently do - including giving information/advice within your scope of practice. This is a slippery slope....advice vs diagnosis, with suggestions of specific supplements/remedies ???? Sounds like a bad idea IMHO

Nutrition isn't regulated...

Epona · Aug 18, 2011

Sorry. Yes.. meant to say can't prescribe medicine.

Yes. I am not sure what I can and can't do. I will have to check it out with the BON in my state. Thanks everyone!