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Laboratory testing is a very new concept to the holistic community. The traditional model of lab testing has been for a licensed healthcare provider to write out an "order", request that certain tests be performed, and those results returned to the provider. That is so the provider may then analyze and interpret the results for the client or patient.
Order. Receive. Interpret.
Those three words mean everything in the world of lab testing, and this is why it's such a grey area for the community. The laws surrounding lab testing, and lawmakers understanding of this, haven't caught up to our way of thinking about health and wellness today. Thus many professionals still believe that only a licensed health care provider may order the performing of laboratory tests, and they are the only ones who are authorized to receive the results of that test, and they bear the responsibility of analyzing and interpreting for us.
In our research we have to contend with these three facets of testing, because every state is different, but only a few have taken concrete steps, right or wrong, to better define and resolve this issue. Some states have expressly defined in law the issue of "Direct Access Testing", which is allowing the public ot order tests of their own, and receive the results.
The Council's official (safest) position is that when the issue of laboratory testing comes up with clients, you should:
1) Encourage the client to get the lab tests done on their own, without an order from you. You would then provide information on the tests, how they might be used, etc.
2) Encourage them to return the results both to you, and their primary healthcare provider.
3) Based on your level of education and training, you may then provide suggestions for further study with your client, and provide that information to them so they can share with their healthcare professional.
This is our nationwide policy because so many states treat this issue different, and we want to proceed with an abundance of caution. That said, again depending on your state, you might have more leeway.
Differences Between the States
Since each state is different we will be offering interpretations and policy analysis where we can. While this is not a comprehensive list, it starts us in a proper direction for putting the information out there. So for now, unless supported by an official state guidance document, or clear law, proceed with caution.
California
California allows for Direct Access Testing, which means anyone may order a select number of "nondiagnostic general health" tests. The law states:
"The tests that may be conducted pursuant to this section are: pregnancy, glucose level, cholesterol, occult blood, and any other test for which there is a test for a particular analyte approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for sale to the public without a prescription in the form of an over-the-counter test kit. A test approved only as an over-the-counter collection device may not be conducted pursuant to this section." (BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE - BPC, 1246.5.) You can download an official version of this from the state by clicking here.
Order. Receive. Interpret.
Those three words mean everything in the world of lab testing, and this is why it's such a grey area for the community. The laws surrounding lab testing, and lawmakers understanding of this, haven't caught up to our way of thinking about health and wellness today. Thus many professionals still believe that only a licensed health care provider may order the performing of laboratory tests, and they are the only ones who are authorized to receive the results of that test, and they bear the responsibility of analyzing and interpreting for us.
In our research we have to contend with these three facets of testing, because every state is different, but only a few have taken concrete steps, right or wrong, to better define and resolve this issue. Some states have expressly defined in law the issue of "Direct Access Testing", which is allowing the public ot order tests of their own, and receive the results.
The Council's official (safest) position is that when the issue of laboratory testing comes up with clients, you should:
1) Encourage the client to get the lab tests done on their own, without an order from you. You would then provide information on the tests, how they might be used, etc.
2) Encourage them to return the results both to you, and their primary healthcare provider.
3) Based on your level of education and training, you may then provide suggestions for further study with your client, and provide that information to them so they can share with their healthcare professional.
This is our nationwide policy because so many states treat this issue different, and we want to proceed with an abundance of caution. That said, again depending on your state, you might have more leeway.
Differences Between the States
Since each state is different we will be offering interpretations and policy analysis where we can. While this is not a comprehensive list, it starts us in a proper direction for putting the information out there. So for now, unless supported by an official state guidance document, or clear law, proceed with caution.
California
California allows for Direct Access Testing, which means anyone may order a select number of "nondiagnostic general health" tests. The law states:
"The tests that may be conducted pursuant to this section are: pregnancy, glucose level, cholesterol, occult blood, and any other test for which there is a test for a particular analyte approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for sale to the public without a prescription in the form of an over-the-counter test kit. A test approved only as an over-the-counter collection device may not be conducted pursuant to this section." (BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE - BPC, 1246.5.) You can download an official version of this from the state by clicking here.