The purpose of this office, located in the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is to protect consumers who receive complementary and/or alternative health care services from practitioners who fall outside of state licensing authorities. These practitioners include, but are not limited to, persons who provide massage therapy, bodywork, homeopathy, traditional naturopathy, herbology, healing practices utilizing food, food supplements and nutrients, healing touch, culturally traditional healing practices, and traditional Oriental practices.
The office receives and investigates complaints against unlicensed complementary and alternative health care practitioners and may take civil enforcement action for violations of prohibited conduct. The office also acts as an information clearinghouse by providing the public, practitioners, and interested persons, with information about regulation of unlicensed complementary and alternative health care practitioners in Minnesota.
The office coordinates investigations involving matters within the jurisdiction of more than one regulatory agency by making appropriate referrals to other state boards, agencies, departments responsible for licensing health-related occupations, facilities and programs, and law enforcement personnel in this and other states.
(From: Minnesota Health Licensing Boards Biennial Report, July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2010)