COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 95
further impact how laboratory data is handled and shared [19,
20].
Integration with Telehealth
The growth of telehealth creates new models for combining direct
access testing with virtual clinical consultation.
Interstate Practice Considerations
With the expansion of telehealth and virtual wellness services,
practitioners must navigate the complexities of working across
state lines, as laws governing health coaching and laboratory
interpretation vary by jurisdiction [21].
Emerging Legal Precedents
As more non-licensed practitioners enter the wellness space, legal
challenges and enforcement actions are helping to clarify the
boundaries between educational guidance and medical
practice [22].
Conclusion: Legally Supported, Ethically Grounded
The right to order and interpret laboratory tests in the United States
is both legally established and increasingly normalized. While
licensing determines how results can be used diagnostically, it
does not prohibit access or interpretation when conducted for
non-diagnostic, educational, or wellness purposes.
For both licensed and non-licensed practitioners, understanding
the legal framework and appropriate boundaries is essential. By
operating within these guidelines, practitioners can empower
individuals to take greater control of their health while maintaining
ethical standards and legal compliance.
References
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