Press release: Commission’s consultation on complementary and alternative medicines closes soon

The Commission has been asking for comments and views on its approach to registering organisations that use or promote complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). In particular the consultation asked what level and nature of evidence the Commission should accept to determine whether an organisation’s purposes are beneficial to the public or whether any potential harm may outweigh the benefits.

The regulator is pleased with the level of engagement and response to its consultation which closes on the 19 May 2017 with over 300 responses already received. The regulator also held 2 consultation sessions on the 15 and 16 of May with a range of interested bodies including health professional regulators, sector bodies and campaign groups to receive detailed feedback on the consultation questions.

The Commission is now analysing the submissions received and expects to publish a formal analysis of the consultation within 12 weeks. The Commission expects to set out its policy, informed by the review in autumn 2017.

John Maton, Head of Charitable Status at the Commission, said:

In asking these questions, we have been aware of the considerable public debate around the role of complementary and alternative medicines in today’s society. Our approach has been to seek a wide range of views to inform our future approach to CAM. It is clear that there are strongly held but conflicting views on the types and level of evidence that should be required.

We are now carefully considering the responses received and will respond with our initial findings in due course.

The consultation runs from Monday 13 March to 19 May 2017. The consultation document can be found on GOV.UK.

Ends.

PR 40/17

Notes to editors

1. The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. To find out more about our work, see our annual report.
2. Search for charities on our online register.