The Freedom of Speech Does Not Protect Healthcare Grifters by
Katie Suleta explores the case of Heather Kokesch Del Castillo, which highlights the tension between free speech and professional credentialing in healthcare. After being barred in Florida from operating as a nutritionist due to the state's licensing laws, Del Castillo claimed her First Amendment rights were violated. The Supreme Court ultimately declined to hear the case, emphasizing the importance of professional licensing to ensure public safety and prevent unqualified individuals from providing potentially harmful health advice. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2023/12/the-freedom-of-speech-does-not-protect-healthcare-grifters/ About the Author: Katie Suleta is a trained epidemiologist and informaticist. She currently works as a regional director of research in graduate medical education for HCA Healthcare. She has an MPH, MSHI, and is a current doctorate of health sciences (DHSc) student in Clinical Practice and Leadership at The George Washington University. She also writes for the American Council on Science and Health. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the Center for Inquiry.