This restriction of trade reduces the supply of services. Reducing the supply of health services increases the cost of services. Expensive schooling, internships, exam fees and licensing fees raise the cost of entry into the profession. These costs are passed on to the consumers of health services, raising prices. Licensing reduces competition among practitioners, resulting in higher prices and reduced quality of care.
Reduced innovation raises costs and lowers the quality of services.
Medical Objections Licensing reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the healing arts. Healing is a gift and an art. Many gifted individuals cannot afford, or for other reasons are not able to enter and complete, the six to twelve years of schooling necessary to obtain a medical license. Licensing deprives the population of the skill and art of these individuals. Licensing blocks innovation and the practice of alternative methods of healing.