What to do if acertified natural health practitioner may not be following their own disclaimer when providing advice to “patients”?
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What to do if acertified natural health practitioner may not be following their own disclaimer when providing advice to “patients”?
A “certified natural health practitioner” has the following disclaimer: “The client is solely responsible for making his or her own health and wellness decisions, and has in no way been unduly influenced into a course of action by [name removed] regarding their personal health and wellness circumstances.” It appears this person has been promoting themself as a messenger for God, and has been recommending that clinically depressed patients stop taking their anti-depressant, and those with high blood pressure stop taking blood pressure medication. Should some authority be contacted?
Asked on May 16, 2011 under Malpractice Law, Louisiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
This person may be guilty of the unauthorized practice of medicine--from what you write, it sounds like actual medical advice being given out--which can possibly result in criminal liability; they might also be subject to a lawsuit by anyone injured by their advice. If you or someone you know has been injured, you should contact a personal injury attorney. Otherwise, you might try initially contacting the state agency or board which licenses medical professionals, or alternately the state attorney general's office or local prosecutor. One of these entities may well take an interest in this matter and at least investigate it, even if they do not immediately look to bring some sort of charges. Good luck.
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