* Phase 1 ended Jan 21, 2008 *

WACCH is making every effort to protect the safety of the public through establishing WA state regulation of the Colon Hydrotherapy industry. As well, it is our collective professional position that Colon Hydrotherapy is not the practice of medicine and that a clear definition of scope ensures that this line is definitively maintained.

Take action to ensure that Colon Hydrotherapy continues to be an Independent Wellness Profession, moves to appropriate State regulation and is not considered the practice of medicine. REMEMBER TO EXPLICITLY STATE in your emails and letters that you would like them to be considered public record and that you request them to be posted publicly.

We have until January 21, 2008 to save the colon hydrotherapy industry in the state of WA from being shut down. The DOH has given until then for rebuttals to be submitted in response to their draft position as it relates to the Aug 2007 Regulation Review (better known as the Sunrise Review) on Colon Hydrotherapy.

Their position, as stated in the draft, is that colon hydrotherapy is practicing medicine and only Naturopathic Doctors, Medical Doctors and Osteopathic Doctors that have been trained in colon hydrotherapy may perform the service. They are taking the stance that colon hydrotherapy is already regulated under the licenses of the aforementioned. As colon hydrotherapy is not taught in any school that educates these doctors the industry will effectively be shut down.

Clearly the DOH, in support of the people it is protecting, will benefit from a better understanding this service. Please click here to read their draft response from the Department of Health. Please click here to read a strong rebuttal to their draft response from I-ACT (the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy). These two document will give you a solid understanding of just how off target the DOH is with their position.

HOW & WHEN WE RESPOND IS CRITICAL!

How: Please take 30 minutes of your time to affect the rest of your life. Take 30 minutes to read the draft response and the rebuttal from I-ACT. This will help you respond in an educated manner that shows that you understand what has been presented. "EDUCATED" is key. It is our job, as experts in this field (both as professionals and clients of colon hydrotherapy) to EDUCATE the Department of Health, as advisors to the Legislature. Please keep in mind that we are soliciting the Department of Health to support the industry. HELP THE DOH! DO NOT antagonize those with whom we seek to have a mutually positive relationship.

When: Immediately. The original end date for rebuttals was January 4th. The DOH has graciously extended the period until the 21st. We are working on borrowed time right now. Please take 45 minutes now (30 minutes to educate yourself and 15 minutes to send/phone your rebuttals).