- Saudi Arabia steps up the hunt for ‘witches’ and ‘black magicians.’ (From John.)
- Canadian skeptics are asking for help in protesting legislation that would grant prescription rights to naturopaths. (From Steve.)
- Last week, pushing his “special” Origin of Species editions, Kirk Cameron didn’t do so well in a impromptu debate with UCLA students. (From Robert.)
- “The news here is not that people are irrational, giving too much credence to the dramatic and the local and the short-term (that’s not news), but that people have added a veneer of scientific rationality to their irrational decisions.” Thoughts on the amateur scientist.
I wonder what those naturopaths would be prescribing that requires them to need prescription rights?
Either they’re shilling useless crap like homeopathy, and they can already “prescribe” that without any problem, as it’s just a “food supplement”, or they want to start prescribing actual medicine, in which case this is just a humongous malpractice lawsuit waiting to happen.
Either way, I don’t see the point …
(Unless of course they want whatever they “prescribe” to be refundable by health care, but you can’t have your “food supplement” cake and eat it too you sly snake oil salesfolk …)
It’s true that we have free health care in Canada, and the government picks up the tab for family doctor visits, and hospital stays, as well as any treatments prescribed in-hospital. But we still have to pay for prescription and OTC drugs out of pocket.
I’d imagine that it has something to do with the fact that insurance will cover a sizable percentage of prescription drugs, and even OTC drugs with a doctors prescription, but will not pay for OTC drugs or supplements without a prescription.
Anyone else notice that the poll for “Kirk Cameron, Master Debator” only had a “Yes” option?
Yes, I noticed that last week, and people commented on it too.
@Peregrine:
“I’d imagine that it has something to do with the fact that insurance will cover a sizable percentage of prescription drugs, and even OTC drugs with a doctors prescription, but will not pay for OTC drugs or supplements without a prescription.”
Could insurance companies opt not to cover prescritions from naturopaths? Or would that be considered discrimination?
@exarch: A lot of plans just mention “prescription drugs”, and unless there’s a specific exemption for preexisting conditions and the like, the insurance company will just run it through the system, and pay out. If it’s just a few bucks here and there, they might just reimburse the patient without bothering to check what it’s for. But I have no idea what the regulations are, or if there’s any exemption for “alternative” or “naturopathic” medicine.
I should also mention that this legislation is in Ontario, and I’m in New Brunswick, so YMMV.
I think in Belgium, some kinesiologists may practice accupuncture for example, but the visit will simply be reimbursed as a doctor prescribed visit to a specialist, despite the fact the “specialist” is using quackery to treat you.
Likewise, if a doctor prescribes homeopathy, your visit to the doctor is reimbursed, but the medications themselves usually aren’t reimbursed anyway, whether they’re real or “food supplements”.
I think accupuncturists are, as of this moment, not yet recognised (and covered) as health care providers.
The alties are fighting hard for recognition, but they haven’t gotten it yet. But unfortunately, they’re slowly gaining ground …
I love my Bruins!!!!
….and the sad thing is that with that video from UCLA, we’ve witnessed the absolute zenith of Kirk Cameron’s knowledge of evolution.
Ladies and gentlemen, Kirk Cameron, FTL.
anybody have a transcript of the kirkcam thing?
Just an unfortunate update.
Bill 179 has passed in Ontario.
Thanks to the Skepchicks for posting this issue twice in the quickies, and thanks to everyone who wrote in to the Ontario government.
Keep checking Skeptic North for future updates in the next battlegrounds of Nova Scotia and Alberta.
We lost, but we’ll keep fighting.