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By M. PAUL JACKSON michaelj@leader.net
Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Page: 1C
KINGSTON – A Kingston man has been fined by the Department of State for
practicing medicine without a license, even though his field, naturopathy, is
recognized in other states.
Gerald Reisinger was fined $3,000 in October, according to a ruling made
public last week by the state Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.
Reisinger had called himself a “naturopathic physician.” According to the
filing, his business cards, envelopes and office letterhead identified him as
“Dr. Gerald Reisinger, N.D.”
“At all relevant and material times, Gerald Reisinger did not hold a
license to practice medicine” in Pennsylvania, according to state documents.
Several calls to Reisinger’s Kingston office were not returned.
Anyone practicing medicine must be licensed by the appropriate state board,
spokesman Brian McDonald said.
The state provides licenses for physicians, chiropractors, nurses,
pharmacists and occupational therapists. The state recognizes medical doctors,
chiropractors and some other medical practitioners – but not naturopathic
healers – as “doctors.”
Reisinger is one of a handful of people practicing naturopathic medicine in
Pennsylvania, according to the American Association of Naturopathic
Physicians, an association of 1,800 members. The association has eight members
in Pennsylvania.
Naturopathic medicine is the study of the body’s natural ability to heal
itself. It minimizes the use of invasive surgery and focuses on diet and
exercise.
The practice is licensed in 11 states, including Oregon, Washington,
Hawaii, Connecticut and Maine, but not Pennsylvania.
McDonald could not say if the state would target other people who practice
naturopathic medicine.
Generally, it is difficult to practice naturopathic medicine in states that
do not recognize the field, said Suzanne Peppell, a naturopathic practitioner
in Easton.
Peppell, who also practices in Stroudsburg, does not perform surgery or
treat patients, she said. She mainly performs consultation work and advises
people on diet and exercise changes.
“That’s the practice I run so I’m not doing anything illegal,” she said.
In states where naturopathy is licensed, Peppell would be allowed to
deliver babies, perform full gynecological exams and even perform minor
surgery, she said.
She said the association has worked to have state legislation introduced
that would recognize the practice.
“People of Pennsylvania really want to have natural care,” she said.
“It’s time to get your name out there and have people realize you’re not a
quack.”
M. Paul Jackson, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7134.