VETO BILL HB 591

[Guest guest]

Dear Governor Bush,

 

I am appalled to learn that HB 591 has been passed by the Florida

Legislature.

 

HB 591 is designed to raise the penalties for the

unlicensed practice of naturopathy to a Third Degree Felony with a

Schedule 7 sentencing structure. Prior to the passage of HB 591, the

unlicensed practice of naturopathy was an unscheduled offense that

carried civil penalties. The unlicensed practice of naturopathy, if

signed by you, will carry criminal penalties equal to a DUI

resulting in serious bodily injury, aggravated stalking and impregnation

 

of a child under 16 years of age by a person 21 years of age or older.

 

The practice of " naturopathy " is currently defined in Florida Statutes

as, " …the use and practice of psychological, mechanical, and material

health services to aid in purifying, cleansing, and normalizing human

tissues for the preservation or restoration of health, according to the

fundamental principles of anatomy, physiology, and applied psychology,

as may be required. Naturopathic practice employs, among other agencies,

 

phytotherapy, dietetics, psychotherapy, suggestotherapy, hydrotherapy,

zone therapy, biochemistry, external applications, electrotherapy,

mechanotherapy, mechanical and electrical appliances, hygiene, first

aid, sanitation and heliotherapy;… " This could cover everything from

non-diagnostic iridology to nutrition counseling.

 

I do NOT wish to see the above natural healing practices subjected to

stronger penalties (or any penalties at all). There has been no new

Naturopathic licenses issued in over 15 years. Please help keep the

government OUT of my choice of healing practices by your

VETO of HB 591.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ian Shillington

1844 Springtime Ave.,

Clearwater, FL 33755

Phone: 727-447-6863

FAX: 727-447-6491