The board shall not take disciplinary action against a physician solely on the grounds that such physician practices alternative medicine. The general assembly has determined that this act can be implemented within existing appropriations, and therefore no separate appropriation of state moneys is necessary to carry out the purposes of this act. This bill has an interesting history similar to legislation of past years when there have been strongly held differences of opinion within, and outside of, individual licensed professional groups as to how specific health care providers should practice. With the amazing advances in research, technology and education, the delivery of health care has also advanced and evolved. As a result, the scopes of practice of virtually all licensed practitioners have changed, as well as having some new professions being added to the ranks of the regulated.
Consumers are more interested and involved in their own health care.
They want good care at a reasonable price with understandable results. In general terms, market forces encourage competitive services and pricing with the consumer, ultimately, determining the winners and losers. The implications of this new law are worth examining in relation to the future of all other licensed health care professionals.