In the United States, Ayurveda and many other healing modalities are considered complementary medicine. Individual states define and regulate the scope of practice (what you can legally do or not do). Many people who engage in non-harming wellness medicine do so under the threat of being charged with practicing medicine without a license. Do you know what you can legally do in your practice?
Local Work To Protect Your Right To Practice Complementary Medicine
In Massachusetts, we are working to pass a law to protect our right to practice complementary medicine. “Massachusetts Consumer Access and Right to Practice Complementary and Alternative Health Care Act” ht S665 is the identifier for the senate version of the proposed law.
I first heard about this bill at The International Herbal Symposium, where Carol Bedrosian editor of Spirit of Change Magazine and Dianne Miller, an attorney with the National Health Freedom Coalition, spoke about the importance of protective legislation. Carol also gave a presentation about the bill and what we can do to support its passage at the November Herbal Community Of Central Massachusetts meeting. They both testified at a recent hearing at the State House.
Dianne Miller is currently Legal and Public Policy Director of the National Health Freedom Coalition (NHFC) and it’s sister organization, the National Health Freedom Action (NHFA). Dianne works tirelessly to help state pass bills that support freedom in healthcare choice and protection for complementary wellness practitioners.
Carol Bedrosian serves on the committee for protection and access to complementary and alternative health carefor Health Freedom Action, Massachusetts, the organization that did all the groundwork to move this bill forward onto the calendar for a hearing. https://hfama.org/our-team/
Where S665 Is Now In The Essential Steps To Create Law
On November 19, 2019, there was a hearing at the Massachusetts State House for people to give testimony against or in favor of the bill. A couple of friends and I went in support of the proposed law. After an inauspicious start, we all had to wait outside in the cold rain, because the smoke alarms went off, we all trotted into the statehouse and sat down for the hearing.
Rep. Donald Wong introduced the bill to the joint committee on public health chaired by Senator Joanne Comerford and Representative John J. Mahoney. Two Medical doctors and a chiropractor joined Representative Wong at the presentation table. These medical professionals spoke eloquently on the need for a safe harbor for unlicensed holistic health practitioners. They spoke as doctors but also as clients of complementary medicine.
Thirty-plus people from all over the state traveled to Boston on a cold rainy day to testify in support of the bill. I am happy to report there was compelling testimony in favor of the proposed law. No-one spoke against this proposed legislation.
Next Steps
Making a Law takes a lot of steps on purpose. The process is tough to be sure each law is hopefully cost-effective, functional, and serves the residents of Massachusetts. Here, I am just outlining the essential ones where we, as citizens, can have an impact, not every step in order. I spoke with Senator Comerford’s office to verify the details.
After a review of the hearing testimony, the committee votes to approve the bill. When approved, it heads to the Executive committee for budget impact review. Members of both houses vote on the bill. After H3660 (the proposed law) passes in the house, the Senate votes on S665. Any language differences between the two versions of the bills get reconciled. The final version of the bill moves to the governor’s office to become law.
How Can I Help Pass “Massachusetts Consumer Access and Right to Practice Complementary and Alternative Health Care Act”?
People submitted written and oral testimony and went into Boston for the hearing. Now that the open inquiry is complete, there are still a couple of places where we can help. When the bill reaches the house and senate for a vote, contact your representative and senator to express your support.
When it heads to the governor’s desk for passage into law, help again. Call or email the governor to support the “Massachusetts Consumer Access and Right to Practice Complementary and Alternative Health Care Act.” Sign up to help or get information on the right time to take action at Health Freedom Action Massachusetts
Is Your Right To Practice Complementary Medicine Protected?
Live or practice outside Massachusetts? Check into the laws where you live. Eleven states have enacted legislation similar to the Massachusetts bill. Check to see if where you live is one of the lucky ones. If not contact the National Health Freedom Coalition. See how you can help move the legal protection to practice complementary medicine forward for your community.
Ayurselfcare’s purpose is to educate on the benefits of Ayurveda. This article is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment or advice, or legal advice. All the material here is for learning purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team. Consult a lawyer on any legal issues.