Bill > H2033

This bill aims to provide consumers with better access to and understanding of complementary and alternative health services, which are defined as a broad range of healing therapies and health maintenance methods not otherwise prohibited. Practitioners of these services who are not licensed, registered, or certified as traditional healthcare providers will not be in violation of consumer protection laws, specifically Chapter 93A (the Commonwealth's consumer protection law), unless they fail to provide required disclosures or engage in prohibited activities. Before providing services for the first time, these practitioners must give clients a written document detailing their name, title, business information, a description of the services, their qualifications, and a recommendation to inform their other healthcare providers, along with a statement that violating this law is a violation of Chapter 93A. Clients must acknowledge receipt of this information in writing, and practitioners must keep this signed acknowledgment for seven years. The bill prohibits unlicensed practitioners from performing surgery, using radiation or anesthesia, prescribing certain drugs or medical devices, providing medical diagnoses, performing chiropractic adjustments, claiming to practice massage therapy, or failing to meet local regulations, and importantly, they cannot represent themselves as licensed healthcare providers. Advertisements for these services must clearly state if the practitioner is not licensed, certified, or registered as a healthcare provider in the Commonwealth for those services, unless they are. Licensed healthcare providers can still offer complementary and alternative services as long as they comply with the disclosure requirements, and they will not be penalized for consulting with or referring to practitioners who follow this new law.