OLR Report 2013-R-0337 provides information about the “health freedom” movement including the policies the movement promotes and states that have adopted similar policies in statute.
The “health freedom” movement generally advocates for patients' increased access to non-traditional health care treatments. Among other things, supporters of “health freedom” criticize government restrictions on the practice of complementary and alternative medicine by unlicensed practitioners. According to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “complementary medicine” generally refers to using a non-mainstream approach together with conventional (Western) medicine, while “alternative medicine” refers to using a non-mainstream approach in place of conventional medicine. Examples of complementary or alternative treatments include homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
“Health freedom” advocates also generally support increased access to nutritional supplements and natural foods. Some supporters also criticize government-mandated vaccinations and water fluoridation.
A small number of states have enacted legislation implementing “health freedom” policies. At least seven states allow practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine to practice without a license. While the specific requirements vary, these laws generally (1) set certain parameters and conditions for such unlicensed practice and (2) require such practitioners to make certain disclosures to their patients.
There are also “health freedom” organizations and state laws that oppose the federal Affordable Care Act's individual insurance coverage mandate. The report does not discuss this aspect of “health freedom” advocacy.
For more information, read the full report.
