Anaheim, CA asked in Contracts and Health Care Law for California

Q: Is it illegal in California to give health advice? For example, doing health consultations and things of the like.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, it is generally not illegal to give health advice, as long as you do not engage in the practice of medicine without a license.

The practice of medicine is defined in California Business and Professions Code section 2052 as the diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental condition in any person. Only licensed physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals are authorized to engage in the practice of medicine.

If you are not a licensed healthcare professional, you may still be able to provide health advice or consultations as long as you do not engage in the practice of medicine. For example, you may be able to provide general health advice, offer guidance on healthy lifestyle choices, and recommend over-the-counter remedies. However, you should avoid giving specific medical advice, diagnosing medical conditions, or providing treatment recommendations unless you are a licensed healthcare professional.

It's important to note that there may be additional laws and regulations that apply to specific areas of health advice, such as nutrition or mental health. If you have questions about the legality of giving health advice, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in healthcare law.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.