From: LEF Email List1 nsantini@directnet1.net
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2000 1:23 PM
Subject: Will Florida Outlaw Naturopathy?
Florida Could Outlaw Naturopathic Medicine
Unless Governor Bush Vetoes HB 591
The Florida House of Representatives recently passed HB 591, legislation
designed to raise the penalties for the unlicensed practice of Naturopathy
to a Third Degree Felony with a Schedule 7 sentencing structure (criminal
penalties equal to a DUI reaching serious injuries, or aggravated
stalking).
According to the American Naturopathic Medical Association, which opposes
HB 591, the State of Florida has not licensed Naturopathic physicians
since the 1950s. According to the Council on Naturopatrhic Education,
eleven states and four provinces allow the practice of naturopathic
medicine: Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine,
Manitoba, Montana, New Hampshire, Ontario, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Utah,
Vermont, and Washington. Puerto Rico also has a licensing law for
naturopathic "doctors." In Florida, a few N.D. physicians who were
licensed under an old law still practice under the state's medical board,
but no new N.D.s are being licensed. The new legislation would effectively
outlaw the practice of Naturopathy for all Floridians who were not already
licensed decades ago.
If Governor Jeb Bush signs HB 591, the state will have to expand police
powers to prosecute individuals for the unlicensed practice of naturopathy
or anything that the state deems is the unlicensed practice of
naturopathy! This law could restrict our freedom to choose natural methods
to improve and maintain our health.
Once the legislation arrives on Governor Bush's desk, he'll have 15 days
to consider the legislation. The Life Extension Foundation urges Florida
health freedom activists to call, write, fax and E-mail the Governor to
veto HB 591. Ask your friends and family to do the same. Your action is
important and you can make a difference to save the future of natural
health in the state of Florida.
You can contact Governor Bush at:
Governor Jeb Bush
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
850/488-4441
850/487-0801 fax
fl.governor@eog.state.fl.us
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