Chris wrote,
<< Many midwives in our state carry herbs and vitamins, and they are not
 licensed physicians who may write prescriptions.  IMO, there is a difference
 between a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) item. >>

To put this in grosser perspective, not only does my chiropractor sell
vitamins along with those little buckwheat pillows and foot massagers, but
many retailers carry herbs and vitamins.  Many supermarkets in my state carry
herbs and vitamins.   These are not licensed to do anything LIKE
"prescribing," because at least in these silly United States we make a hard
distinction between stuff that needs to be "prescribed" and stuff that can be
bought at the Duane Reade drugstore along with the chocolates and the paper
towels.

This doesn't address the issue of liability if you advise someone to use a
product that harms them -- anyone, I would think, could be liable for that.
If I were doing it regularly I would want good malpractice insurance.   And
if you work for, say, a hospital, naturally your employer can tell you
whether or not they are comfortable giving this kind of advice out on their
time.  But strictly in terms of licensure and prescribing, I don't see why it
should be more of a problem than giving out gauze bandages.   (or chocolates.
 or paper towels.)

Elisheva in NYC

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