Italy
(ref 1)
Summary
In Italy treatment is restricted to legally regulated personnel. Chiropractics is regulated.
Professionals and non-professionals
Legally regulated personnel
Only authorised medical professionals are allowed to carry out medical acts, and according to a decision of the Criminal Supreme Court of Appeal, physicians are allowed to practise CAM. The National Federation for the Orders of Doctors and Dentists has formally recognised acupuncture, chiropractics, homeopathy, phytotherapy, anthroposophic and ayurvedic medicine as legitimate forms of health care (ref 2) . Chiropractors are considered as medical auxiliaries. Thus, the practise of chiropractics by non-physicians is tolerated when chiropractors work under the supervision of a physician.
However, the Code of Professional Ethics of 1995 plays an important role in safeguarding the patients. The Code stipulates that physicians are responsible for the choice of alternative means instead of consolidated scientific experiences.
Not anybody may treat
CAM providers are seldom prosecuted despite national legislation that establishes a medical monopoly and that performing medical acts without a regulation is an offence.
Reimbursement
Both public and private reimbursements are available for CAM when provided by physicians, with the exception of chiropractics that is also reimbursed when provided by non physicians.
References
1. Reference for the chapter where nothing else is noted: Maddalena S. The legal status of complementary medicines in Europe. Berne: Universitè de Neuchâtel, Stæmpfli Publisher Ltd. 1999. and Ministero della Santa, Italy 09.09.05
2. Acupuncture Today. September 2002; Vol 03, Issue 09. http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2002/sep/09italy.html
