Bill > S1481

This bill establishes a legal framework for complementary and alternative health care practitioners in Massachusetts, defining them as individuals providing health and healing services who are not licensed by the state. The bill requires these practitioners to disclose specific information to clients before providing services, including their name, contact details, service descriptions, qualifications, and a statement about client confidentiality. Practitioners must obtain written acknowledgment from clients confirming they received this information and must keep these records for two years. The bill importantly restricts complementary and alternative health care practitioners from performing certain medical procedures, such as surgery, using anesthesia, prescribing medication, providing medical diagnoses, or representing themselves as licensed healthcare providers. These restrictions aim to protect consumers by clearly delineating the scope of services these practitioners can offer while ensuring transparency about their qualifications and limitations. The bill does not prevent licensed healthcare professionals from practicing within their established legal scope, and it will take effect on January 1, 2024. By creating this regulatory framework, the legislation seeks to provide consumer access to alternative health services while maintaining safeguards against potential medical misrepresentation or harm.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1481