herbal medicine in Illinois

[Guest guest]

I may potentially move to Illinois next year and am unsure about the

status of herbalists there. The law for Acus seems pretty clear that

they are not to utilize " herbal preparations " . Are there Acus in IL

that practice herbs? What's the deal? Feel free to email me offlist

if you have personal experience that you'd prefer not to formally share.

 

Thanks,

Tim Sharpe

 

The relevant section of the IL state law is enclosed below. They

recently modified the law to eliminate the physician referral clause,

but I don't think they changed anything regarding herbs.

 

(225 ILCS 2/10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2008)

Sec. 10. Definitions. As used in this Act:

" Acupuncture " means the evaluation or treatment of persons

affected through a method of stimulation of a certain point or points

on or immediately below the surface of the body by the insertion of

pre & #8209;sterilized, single & #8209;use, disposable needles, unless medically

contraindicated, with or without the application of heat, electronic

stimulation, or manual pressure to prevent or modify the perception of

pain, to normalize physiological functions, or for the treatment of

certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body. Acupuncture does not

include radiology, electrosurgery, chiropractic technique, physical

therapy, naprapathic technique, use or prescribing of any drugs,

medications, herbal preparations, nutritional supplements, serums, or

vaccines, or determination of a differential diagnosis. An

acupuncturist registered under this Act who is not also licensed as a

physical therapist under the Illinois Physical Therapy Act shall not

hold himself or herself out as being qualified to provide physical

therapy or physiotherapy services. An acupuncturist shall refer to a

licensed physician or dentist, any patient whose condition should, at

the time of evaluation or treatment, be determined to be beyond the

scope of practice of the acupuncturist.