Transmittal Letters
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
March 22, 2002
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I submit to you the Final Report of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy in accordance with Executive Order 13147. The Report contains administrative and legislative recommendations.
The Department appreciates the time and effort taken by the Commission to examine this area in detail. We are forwarding the Report to you and making it available to the public immediately. We will review carefully the recommendations addressed to the Department, and I am sending copies of the full Report to Congressional leaders.
Sincerely,
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WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
March 22, 2002
The Honorable Richard Cheney
President of the Senate
Washington, DC 20310
Dear Mr. Cheney:
I submit to you the Final Report of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy in accordance with Executive Order 13147. The Report contains administrative and legislative recommendations.
The Department appreciates the time and effort taken by the Commission to examine this area in detail. We are forwarding the Report to you and making it available to the public immediately. We will review carefully the recommendations addressed to the Department, and I am sending copies of the full Report to Congressional leaders.
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Sincerely,
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WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
March 22, 2002
The Honorable Dennis Hastert
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I submit to you the Final Report of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy in accordance with Executive Order 13147. The Report contains administrative and legislative recommendations.
The Department appreciates the time and effort taken by the Commission to examine this area in detail. We are forwarding the Report to you and making it available to the public immediately. We will review carefully the recommendations addressed to the Department, and I am sending copies of the full Report to Congressional leaders.
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Sincerely,
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The Honorable Tommy G. Thompson
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Mr. Secretary:
In accordance with Executive Order 13147, I am pleased to submit to you the Final Report of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy. The Report contains administrative and legislative recommendations and action strategies to maximize the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to all Americans.
The Commission consisted of 20 business leaders, academicians, physicians, and other health care professionals from both conventional and CAM backgrounds. This diverse group brought considerable knowledge and expertise to the complex issues surrounding the Nation's health care system. In addition, many individuals came forward to provide valuable perspectives and information to the Commission's deliberations in the 4 Town Hall meetings held around the country and the 10 public sessions in Washington, D.C.
Of foremost importance to the Commission was the safety of the American public. As you may know, a large number of people are using CAM practices and products, some of which are lacking in scientific evidence or adequate information on their possible benefits and risks. In each area of the report, the Commission sought to balance the public's right to choose among different types of health care and the State and Federal governments' responsibility for ensuring that practitioners are qualified and products are safe.
The report has sections on research, education and training, information development and dissemination, access and delivery, coverage and reimbursement, and wellness. Each section describes current and future challenges and policy opportunities that will help shape the health care system for years to come.
Of the many recommendations in this Report, I would like to call your attention to a few that are worthy of immediate attention. First, the Commission recommends the establishment of an office within the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate activities in the Federal sector. It also recommends increased funding for research of CAM practices and products so that safety and effectiveness can be established. Results from these studies will facilitate informed decisions on coverage and reimbursement policies. The report stresses the importance of improving the quality of information available on CAM and making it more easily accessible to consumers, particularly information on dietary supplements. Finally, it recommends an increased emphasis on wellness and prevention for Americans of all ages.
Sincerely,
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James S. Gordon, M.D. Chair White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy |