Newsletters > Summer 1998 > How to Make Natural Health Legal, by Diane Miller, JD

We know what we DON'T want. No random prosecution of our health care providers! But now our sister organization, the Minnesota Natural Health Coalition Political Fund, wants to tell you what they DO want. The drafting of legislation has begun! After almost two years of research and debate, after firm efforts opposing licensing bills which do not allow for the continuation of all safe healing methods and after dialoguing with State and National resources, the solutions are becoming clear. This is an early sketch of the architectural plans for the new and groundbreaking legislation which will reclaim our rights to healing. It is being developed by the Minnesota Natural Health Coalition Political Fund.

1. Language stating the purpose of the statute:

a.) Acknowledging the pluralism in the healing world and the existence and benefits of a vast array of healing methods;

b.) Preserving the consumer's right of self-determination to choose any kind of health care they deem is good for them; and

c.) Encouraging the use of safe healing methods so that healing information will not be lost and so that healing will grow and flourish.

2. Language stating examples of healing methods that are not the practice of medicine such as homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine, folk medicine, massage and healing touch, and the list goes on and is not all inclusive because we want to be able to allow for new methods to develop in the future as we grow in our understanding of healing.

3. Language stating the rights of consumers of self-determination in their own healing. Language stating the rights of practitioners to practice. This section will most likely include basic guidelines for consumer /practitioner activity for example consent and disclosure which are still being researched and developed.

4. Language stating the parameters of the use of the police power of the State Medical Board of Examiners to sanction healers. This language will most likely include laws against sanctioning providers SOLELY for the practice of medicine without a license or SOLELY for using a treatment method that departs from prevailing or accepted standards. "Harm" will be the legal basis for investigations and sanctions and affirmative defenses will be included in the Statute. The intent is to have the power of the State Medical Board be utilized and invoked only in cases of harm or misrepresentation and not for purposes of harassment or discrimination between types of healing methods.

5. Finally and tying this all together will be the EXEMPTION TO THE MEDICAL PRACTICES ACT. This will provide an exemption for healers complying with the Freedom of Practices Act so long as they are providing safe and truthful services.

So what thinkest thou? It is still in the developmental stages but we are so excited that our dreams are coming true! Please send your comments to the Minnesota Natural Health Coalition Political Fund as they continue to dialogue and speak to groups around the state!