Questions from Health Care Practitioners

Questions:

1. Do the Natural Health Products Regulations govern health care practitioners?
   
   
2. Where can I get more information on the definition of compounding?

Answers:

1. Do the Natural Health Products Regulations govern health care practitioners?

No, the Natural Health Products Regulations are not aimed at regulating the practice of complementary and alternative health care practitioners or the practice of traditional Aboriginal medicine. Health care practitioners (for example, pharmacists, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, herbalists, naturopathic doctors, etc.) who compound products at the request of a patient are not included within the manufacturer definition.

2. Where can I get more information on the definition of compounding?

The Natural Health Products Directorate intends to adopt a guidance document regarding the distinction between manufacture and sale of NHPs and compounding and distribution of compounded products by complementary and alternative health care practitioners and Aboriginal healers. Please check the Overview of the NHP Regulations guidance document for more information.