JUNE 7, 2009
Support The
Consumer Health Freedom Act (HB842)
In March of this year the Consumer Health Freedom Act (HB842) was reintroduced
into the North Carolina House of Representatives with the support of four
representatives and ten co-sponsors after generating widespread public support.
As in 2003, when the bill was originally introduced, the North Carolina Medical
Society opposed the bill. At current, the Medical Society has been called upon
by the bill’s main sponsor, representative Earline W. Parmon of Forsyth County,
to propose specific changes. The bill has been tabled until negotiations can
take place. The bill could still be activated and voted on this legislative
session. The bill sponsors, your reps and the committee members still need to
hear from you in support of this bill.
The Health Freedom Act is an amendment to North Carolina’s broadly defined
Medical Practices Act exempting all alternative health practitioners from
the real threat of being charged with “practicing without a license” just for
practicing their trade. Many natural therapies and alternative treatments
remain largely unavailable to North Carolina patients due to these outdated
medical licensing laws.
The Health Freedom Act
would allow each profession to regulate itself rather than invoking the police
power of the state through government licensing. Practitioners would be
required to disclose their education and refrain from performing controlled
acts, such as x-rays and surgery. Once
signed into law, the bill will allow practitioners to legally practice and
offer the full range of their services.
Citizens for Healthcare Freedom (CHF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, educational
organization that began campaigning for informed choices in healthcare in 1997.
With the help of CHF’s lobbying efforts and volunteers, much has been
accomplished to raise public awareness of the need for freedom of choice and
freedom of practice for alternative practitioners in our state. The Health
Freedom campaign began in 2003 with three volunteers working 20-30 hours per
week the first two years, and with a lone sponsor in the NC House.
Oppose
The Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Act (HB1404/SB1043)
Meanwhile, a small group of Naturopathic Physicians (NPs) has reintroduced
their own licensing bill. It proposes felony charges for anyone found guilty of
the unauthorized practice of Naturopathic Medicine. It could criminalize
hundreds of alternative practitioners who currently provide healthcare services
in this state. As it has in the past, CHF strongly opposes this licensing bill,
until the language criminalizing other alternative practitioners is
removed.
To take
action: write letters, volunteer, become a board member and donate! Please
visit www.ncchf.org (main site) or www.nchealthfreedomnow.com (dedicated to the
HEALTH FREEDOM NOW campaign) to learn more. Join the cause to take back your
rights and freedom.
MARCH 26, 2009
Please everyone!!!
