Which concern is highlighted regarding PAs and CAM?

The concern highlighted regarding PAs and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is centered on the importance of ensuring that referrals to CAM practitioners are made to individuals who are properly licensed. This is crucial because the field of CAM encompasses a wide variety of practices, many of which do not have standardized regulations or licensing requirements. By emphasizing that PAs should refer only licensed CAM providers, the integrity of patient care is maintained, and patients are protected from potentially harmful practices that may arise from unlicensed or unregulated practitioners.

In this context, referring patients to licensed CAM providers ensures that these practitioners have met specific qualifications and standards that usually incorporate some level of training and accountability, which is essential for safe patient care. This approach also helps to reduce liability for PAs, as they are directing patients to practitioners who operate within a recognized framework of professional practice.

The other options hint at misconceptions about the landscape of CAM practice. For instance, CAM is not universally accepted in all states, and licensing for CAM providers can vary greatly depending on local laws. Additionally, the implication that PAs need not concern themselves with liability regarding CAM recommendations is misleading; PAs must always be mindful of the legal and ethical implications of their referrals and recommendations, regardless of the specialty or discipline.