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As of January 1, 2003, California’s Business & Professions Code (2051, 2052, or 2053) requires that all non-licensed Complementary & Alternative healthcare practitioners offer disclosure statements in print advertising and in a signed form. The new California code (SB-577) states: “A person who advertises such lawful (alternative) services must say that he or she is ‘not licensed by the state as a healing arts practitioner’” I would suggest that your advertising read, “______ (your name) is a Legal Alternative Healthcare Provider and not a California licensed healing arts practitioner.”

The code also requires that alternative practitioners give their clients a written disclosure form that must be signed upon their first visit. One copy is to be given to the client & the other is to remain in the practitioner’s records for three years! The form, according to the state, is to protect the practitioner from “being cited, penalized or fined for violating the Medical Practice Act of California.”

My organization, The International Hypnosis Federation®, (www.hypnosisfederation.com) which represents all mind, body, spirit and fun practitioners, printed the required duplicate forms. The form not only offers the disclaimer, but also underscores the philosophy of mind, body spirit modalities, the practitioners training and experience and the benefits of choosing a good alternative helper. After all, according to statistics released by the New England School of Medicine, over half of all people who seek health care go to alternative practitioners. The two-page-duplicate packages of 100 forms cost only $19.95 and can be ordered by calling 310-541-4844. There is also a space on the forms for you to include your personal qualifications, which are called for in SB-577.

In researching what constitutes alternative health care I was amazed at the vast number of specialties we offer. I wanted to make sure that all were covered by the IHF printed disclosure. So that meant I had to include and define all legal self-regulated holistic professions that offer treatments & specialties not requiring state licensing; Coaches, Counselors, Hypnotists, NLPers, Spiritual Counselors, Pastoral Counselors, Therapists, Nutritionists, Naturopaths, Bodyworkers, Energy Workers, Skincare Specialists & Movement Therapists. Each could potentially be held in violation without the form.

Doctor Recommended
More and more licensed medical doctors, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, physical therapists and dentists who know the value of alternative health care refer clients for such complementary services. They know that a patient who learns a specific non-medical techniques can relieve pain, fear, panic, anger, stress, change negative patterns and habits into positive attitudes, sleep better, lose weight, become more motivated, optimistic and joyous and stimulate the body’s innate ability to heal. Just what the doctor ordered! Several alternative professions are now part of the permanent staff at major hospitals.

Self-regulated professions, both ancient and modern, are often self-taught and may require no formal training. In hypnosis for example, you are not legally required to have any formal training or join any organization or union. Of course, many do so because they glean wisdom and education from peers. The International Hypnosis Federation members adhere to a code of ethics, which places the client’s best interest in the forefront, and a “Mind Body, Spirit, FUN Conference” on the Queen Mary in July that gives certification courses and continuing education hours to both licensed and alternative healthcare providers. Some 80 presenters offer hands-on practice in wellness, joy, enlightenment and cutting edge research.

We must all work together for the good of all in our fine professions and avoid putting the self-serving interests of any organization ahead of that goal. The International Hypnosis Federation and many other reputable organizations are looking into better ways to protect the integrity of holistic approaches to mind, body and spirit.

Shelley Stockwell, PhD • Founder of the International Hypnosis federation
310-541-4844