The value of Reiki as an alternative/complementary healing method is becoming more and more apparent to the general public. In fact, it seems like just about everyone either has Reiki or has heard of a friend or other acquaintance that has it or has heard it mentioned before. Not only is this causing an increase in the use of Reiki by independent practitioners, but it is also fostering the increased use of Reiki in hospitals and clinics. While there is no statistics available as far are I know, from the communication I have received over the past, Reiki is being offered in hundreds if not thousands of hospitals across the country.
This increased use especially in professional settings has brought the question of government regulation of Reiki to the attention of many people and groups. Some have started to think of Reiki in the same way they think of other medical practices and have suggested that it needs to be regulated and licensed. In addition, the current medical practice act that was passed in most states many years ago is so broad that technically, Reiki is considered a medical practice and therefore requires that it be practiced only by licensed health care providers. Note that this law is currently in place, but rarely enforced. However, the fact that it exists places all Reiki practitioners under an unnecessary threat that could be used if someone chooses to do so. This has happened with a few other alternative/complementary practitioners with devastating results.
Remember, the purpose of a law is to protect the public from harm. Since Reiki does not cause harm, there is no need to create laws requiring that Reiki be licensed or regulated by the government.
Reiki and the Religious or Spiritual Defense
Many Reiki practitioners have chosen to become ordained ministers as a way to protect themselves from the Medical Practice Act (practicing medicine without a license). The value of this method of legal defense is questionable. A sermon written by the Universal Life Church outlines several key issues necessary for Reiki to be considered ones religion. However, even if one can prove that Reiki is ones religion, it still does not guarantee that this will be a viable legal defense. See Reiki and Religious Freedom for a more complete discussion of this issue.
Because of this and the fact that the medical practice act does already exist, and since other groups are considering creating government licensing of Reiki, something must be done to protect ourselves from this threat. Several states have passed laws exempting alternative/complementary practitioners including Reiki practitioners from the medical practice act. These laws are beneficial to Reiki practitioners as they prevent the government from harassing us and make the practice of Reiki without a license a legitimate legal activity.
Many states are working to keep Reiki and other alternative/complementary healing methods free of unnecessary government regulation.
New York
They have just drafted a new bill similar to the California bill that will make Reiki a legal practice without the need of a government issued license.
Florida
Reiki practitioners in Florida have been hampered by the Massage board that says one needs to be a licensed massage therapist to practice Reiki. This group is creating legislation to prevent this and keep Reiki free.
National Organization
A national organization has formed to work with anyone wanting to create legislation to protect our right to choose the healing modality we want without the threat of unnecessary government licensing. This is a really wonderful group of people who have a solid spiritual commitment to protect our rights. I highly recommend that you become a member and if you can, make a donation. In this way, you will be helping to keep Reiki free! Please click here to go to the site. http://www.nationalhealthfreedom.org.
