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The minute the government admits that prayer is an effective means of curing a disease, or admits that prayer is an approved alternate treatment at least the equal of proven medical solutions, that's when the churches line up to be counted as "healthcare providers." That's when the government starts to hand money over to any self-ordained nutjob who can wield an aspergillum.
That is as good a reason as any for governmental institutions like the DHHS, NIH, CDC, and FDA to regard "healing power of prayer" with the same scrutiny, and without sentimental attachment, as they would give any purported cure (such as rubbing your face with magic pizza, drinking dog piss, and sticking weasels up your butt). If prayer had any real, tangible, reliable benefit to the patient, and withstood rigorous double-blind testing, then sure — always bearing in mind what the standard for comparison is. Aspirin works even if you don't believe in it.
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