Questions and Answers

Q: What is the MNHC?

A: We are a 501(c) 4 organization able to lobby and promote the passage of legislation. We are dedicated to protecting the freedom of choice for consumers to freely use complementary/alternative health care in Michigan.

Q: What is the problem?

A: The Medical Practice law is so broad that all practitioners of alternative/complementary care could be prosecuted for practice of medicine without a license.

Q: What is the solution?

A: Educate the public about their health freedom rights and pass legislation when needed that gives an exemption to the Michigan Medical Practice Act for all practitioners of alternative/complementary care.

Q: Does the MNHC intend to sponsor this legislation?

A: Yes, we are currently drafting a bill which we will be lobby in Lansing to get passed.

Q: What is the Minnesota Model?

A: It is legislation passed in Minnesota that protects consumer access to the kinds of healing modalities they want and creates the exemption above. We plan to sponsor similar legislation in Michigan.

Q: What are the important points of the Minnesota Model?

1. It requires all practitioners to disclose to potential clients their training background and qualifications and the nature and theory of the practice provided.

2. It creates an exemption to the Medical Practice Act for all alternative/complementary health practitioners.

3. The Minnesota Model is based on an informed public making their own health care choices rather than allowing the government to make those choices for them.

Q: What is the likelihood of success?

A: Very good! The Minnesota Model was passed overwhelmingly in Minnesota and other states are in the process of passing similar legislation now. Remember that 55% of the public use some form of alternative/complementary care and this includes members of the legislature.

Q: Are you in favor of government licensing or regulation of alternative/complementary health care?

A: We are opposed to government licensing or regulation when unnecessary. Our country believes in the freedom of people to practice their trades without regulation or interference unless those trades or vocations pose an eminent risk of harm to the public.

Q: But shouldn't alternative/complementary modalities be licensed and regulated?

A: Doctors are required to be licensed because they administer drugs and perform surgery, which can be dangerous, if one is not properly trained. Alternative/complementary care practitioners do not use these potentially dangerous methods and their techniques do not pose an eminent risk of harm to the public, therefore, government licensing is not necessary.

Q: How can I help?

A: 1. Join our organization. 2. Attend our rallies and activities. 3. Recruit everyone you know.