Bucshon’s bill aims to fight ‘snake-oil’ healthcare salesmen

Patients would receive accurate healthcare information under a bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) that would prohibit misleading and deceptive advertising regarding the provision of healthcare services.

“As a practicing physician for more than 15 years, I know just how sacred the patient-physician relationship is,” Rep. Bucshon said. “It is critical that medical services and advice featured on advertisements or other marketing efforts are provided by qualified experts, rather than a snake-oil salesman who could be advertising services or providing guidance that doesn’t help, or even actively harms patients.”

Rep. Bucshon on Oct. 8 introduced the Truth in Healthcare Marketing Act of 2021, H.R. 5510, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-GA), which also would require advertisers to disclose the license that allows them to provide the service they are advertising, according to the text of the bill.

“My bipartisan Truth in Healthcare Marketing Act would help reduce misinformation and protect patients by ensuring the expertise of those making healthcare claims in advertisements or other marketing efforts,” said Rep. Bucshon.

If enacted, H.R. 5510 also would require that the Federal Trade Commission conduct a study of healthcare professionals to identify specific acts and practices that violate the law; how frequently they occur; what harm or injury results from such violations; and to identify instances where any state public policy has permitted acts and practices that violate the law, according to the text. 

H.R. 5510 has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.