SNH103......Medical Jurisprudence - Trinity School of Natural Health

Test Question Booklet
TRINITY SCHOOL OF NATURAL HEALTH
220 PARKER ST.
WARSAW, IN 46580
SNH 103 Medical Jurisprudence
For questions about this test, please call 1-800-428-0408.
This test has 20 questions.
It is recommended that you keep a copy of your work.
Tests are recycled after 60 days of being graded.
(800) 428-0408 tests@trinityschool.org
http://www.TrinitySchool.org

Trinity School of Natural Health
Module Instructions
In order to complete the study correctly and gain the most knowledge, we recommend that you observe the
following guidelines:
1. Choose a specific time to study the materials and complete the lessons. Read the textbook in its entirety before
beginning to answer the questions in the module. This is an open book test. The questions on this test are in
random order and may be found throughout the entire book.
2. In the module you will find an answer sheet (use only pencil, blue or black ink). This is to be used for the
multiple choice, matching and true/false answers. Crossword puzzles, short answer and short essay questions
must be typed on a separate sheet of paper and submitted with the answer sheet. Do not retype the
questions or statements and double space between the answers. Staple the pages together in the upper left
hand corner (no paper clips). Return your answers with the signed Certification Sheet; keep the module. Type
or handwrite your name at the top or bottom of EVERY PAGE. Your full name, current address, phone number
and signature must be on the Certification Sheet and stapled to the front of your answers. If the Certification
Sheet is not filled in correctly or omitted, your test answers will be returned and you will be asked to
resubmit them with the Certification Sheet attached.
3. The policy of Trinity School of Natural Health is that tests are graded in the order they are received. This
policy is non-negotiable. The average grading time is 4-6 weeks.
4. In the natural health field there is a diversity of opinion on a variety of subjects. In the interest of academic
freedom, we ask that you read all of the material with the understanding that it is the opinion of the author(s)
and you should use your own judgment as to how you use the material. Generally, you will not be given any
questions concerning controversial materials or subjects that are not in agreement with the position taken by
Trinity School of Natural Health. Should you disagree with the author(s), answer the question(s) from their
point of view.
5. Your answers will be evaluated and a grade sheet will be sent to you. If you receive an 85% or above, you will
receive a passing grade. If you receive less than 85%, you will need to resubmit only the questions missed.
6. We will provide reasonable assistance; however, we cannot, under any circumstances, tell you if the answer is
correct or incorrect.
7. The answers must be your own work. We understand that students may study together, but if copying is found
by Trinity School of Natural Health, a 10% penalty will be assessed and the answers may need to be
resubmitted.
8. All answers for this examination must come from the corresponding textbook. Without the textbook, it may
appear a question could be answered several ways based on your previous experience or other books. All tests
will be graded according to the answers found specifically in the corresponding textbook.
9. Make a copy of your answers. Lest, for any reason, the original answers were not received.
Note: The course work in the study should not be used to diagnose or treat any ailment. Some statements or
conclusions of the textbook author(s) are not to be considered as generally accepted material by Trinity School of
Natural Health.

Trinity School of Natural Health
Enclosed is your next lesson in your quest for more knowledge in the natural health field. In
order to complete the study and gain the most knowledge, we recommend that you observe the
following guidelines:
1. Choose a specific time each day or week to devote yourself to studying the materials and
completing the lessons.
2. This module requires answers to 20 questions. All of the questions are written directly
from the following information.
3. Note that there is, in the field of natural health, a diversity of opinion on a variety of subjects.
In the interest of academic freedom, we ask that you read all the material with the
understanding that it is only the opinion of the author(s) and that you should use your own
judgement as to how you may use the material in your study.
Note: Nothing in this study is intended to be used to diagnose or treat any ailment. Not all
statements or conclusions of the textbook author(s) are to be considered as generally accepted
material to the Trinity School of Natural Health. There are no questions asked concerning
material, which the school considers controversial or in conflict with other materials offered in
other courses.
SNH 103 Medical Jurisprudence
How to Practice Legally
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By Wendell W. Whitman, M.Div., N.D.
The natural health profession embodies such a diversity of theory, philosophy and opinion that is
impossible to make generalizations concerning any particular modality and its legal status. In
fact, natural health embodies elements, which do not lend themselves to the discussion of what is
legal and what is illegal. Beliefs, lifestyle and personal religious convictions do not, in the
United States of America, adapt themselves well to the realm of legalities but are protected by
the Federal Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Licensure Brings Restrictions
New ideologies in the health community tend to be formulated outside of the orthodox
establishment and, after many struggles against the organized insiders; the movement becomes
popularly accepted and seeks legal protection under the law. This legal protection takes the form
of licensure. Licensure acquires its legal status at the request of those who seek to be licensed.
The state does not seek to license but rather those who wish to be licensed seek the state’s
protection and regulation. Licensure inevitably is for the purpose of regularizing and
legitimating a profession
Plumbers seek to be licensed to limit the practice of plumbing, insure certain standards, and
protect the public from fraud. Licensure tends to control a profession, limit competition and
increase revenues for the licensee.
Licensure for an individual does not actually provide freedom but rather takes certain of his or
her freedoms away. The licensee must now pay a fee, pass a test (created by a particular interest
group) and abide by certain rules or regulations. Most people in the natural health profession do
not wish such regulation. They only wish to be free to responsibly exercise their right to
advocate their beliefs or convictions concerning a healthy environment, diet, nutrition, exercise
and a wholesome lifestyle.
Licensure vs. Certification
Most natural health professionals are not interested in licensure and do not wish to compromise
their own convictions. In the same manner, they respect the rights of others to hold differing
convictions and do not wish to legislate their own views. Rather than seeking licensure, a system
of peer group certification seems more acceptable to those in the natural health field.
Certification is always voluntary rather than compulsory and does not impose the controls, which
come from licensure.
Accountants for years have had a program of peer review and certification for those who wish to
demonstrate their abilities, education, and professionalism. However, the fact that a person
chooses to become a Certified Public Accountant does not mean that they can put out of business
all bookkeepers and accountants. This is the general attitude among most natural health
professionals, and this philosophy has nothing to do with making certain kinds of practices legal
and others illegal.
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Personal Freedoms
Instead of discussing the legality of a designated practice, it is far better to approach the topic,
not from the standpoint of the theory or practice, but rather from the stand point of the
professional’s right to exercise his beliefs without interference from those who advocate another
theory or philosophy. Specifically, the United States Constitution does provide protection for an
individual and the free exercise of his rights in the Bill of Rights. The first amendment provides
that no law shall be established with respect to religion. (We can believe as we wish concerning
the will of God for our lives, our lifestyle and the exercise of our faith.) No law shall abridge our
freedom of speech (We can advocate any position, philosophy, ideology, theory or doctrine we
choose.) The ninth amendment says that although the Bill of Rights recites certain rights, which
belong to the citizens, there are additionally other rights, which may be retained by the citizens
and are not recited in the Bill of Rights. In short, if there is no law against it, it is legal.
It Is Legal
Yes! Yes! Yes! You do not need to worry about advocating natural health practices. It is
completely legal to advocate any natural health practice as long as you do not cross over into an
area reserved by state law for certain individuals. There are two dead languages, which you are
not allowed to use in your profession – Latin, reserved for the attorneys, and Greek, reserved for
the medical profession. The choice is yours. Do you want to act within the law or do you wish
to act outside the law You have heard the truth, that it’s not what you say but how you say it.
Nothing could be closer to the truth in the natural health profession. By speaking in plain
English, and not Greek or Latin, you can avoid a host of legal problems. You can educate others
in natural health practices.
You can teach various types of exercise, diet, nutritional support and philosophy. You can act as
a natural health counselor, a natural health practitioner, a natural health professional, a holistic
health counselor, a nutritional counselor, a health counselor or an alternative health consultant
without breaking the law. What you cannot do is practice medicine!
What Is the Practice of Medicine
You will not believe how broad the medical laws are in various states. Generally, the broader
the laws, the greater the chance of legal challenge. In Idaho, for example, a judge just about
threw out all of the licensing laws because they were just too broad. A teacher could be
considered practicing medicine if she told a student to brush his teeth so as not to get cavities.
The teacher was practicing medicine without a license since he or she was given advice
concerning the “mitigation of a disease”. A judge in California dismissed a medical practice
case when the prosecutor seemed to be choking in the courtroom and the judge suggested that
someone bring him some water to alleviate the cough. The defense counsel immediately called
for a mistrial since the judge was practicing medicine without a license by advocating water to
alleviate a cough. In Indiana, an Amish man who sold herbs and practiced iridology was
presented with a restraining order not to “practice medicine” by the office of the State’s Attorney
General. The issue went to trial since the Amish man believed that what he was doing was legal
and that he did not practice medicine. The judge ruled in the defendant’s favor by saying that the
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medical laws were generally too broad and that the taking of medical histories, examining parts
of the human body and the making of nutritional suggestions did not constitute the practice of
medicine in the state of Indiana.
Generally, a medical license gives the right to examine, diagnose, prescribe, administer, or
dispense to the licensee. Also, such activities as treating with any substance, drug, medicine,
appliance, cast, or operation, a bodily condition (wound or fracture included) or disease is
forbidden to all who do not hold a license. To hold oneself out to the public as a doctor with the
use of the words or letters “Dr.”, “Doctor”, “M.D.”, “D.D.S.”, “Ph.D.”, “Pod.D.”, “D.C.”,
“Physician”, or any other designation or title, which may suggest that the individual is engaged
in the practice of medicine, is illegal for anyone who is not licensed.
Placing a finger, hand, or object in any orifice of the body may constitute the practice of
medicine in some states. In one state, it is difficult to get a tattoo since only a medical doctor can
do the procedure because it involves breaking the skin. Each natural health counselor/ advisor
should become aware of the laws concerning medical practice in his or her state and abide by
those laws. Such information is generally available at any public library in a major city.
What Can a Natural Health Counselor/ Advisor Do
The field is wide open. You can use the title “Dr.” if you have earned the designation, as long as
you can clearly state just what kind of “Dr.” you are. It is perfectly legal to use the designation
“Dr.” as long as you do not lead people to believe you are a medical doctor. ALWAYS state
what you do! Use the descriptive works “Nutritional Advisor”, “Natural Health Counselor” or
other terms designed to make sure that people do not think you are a medicinal doctor.
Naturopaths may use the terms “Dr.” as long as they tell what kind of doctor they are. A
Naturopath should use a descriptive title attached to his name every time it appears in print. He
or she may use “Dr.” or “N.D.” but MUST ALWAYS tell what the designation means –
Alternative Health Counselor, Naturopathic Health Advisor, Nutritional Counselor, etc.
Words Are Powerful
A natural health counselor/ advisor should use terminology which will keep him or her in good
standing with the law. Certain words should never be used. Never name a disease – most
diseases are simply the names of the various symptoms in Greek. For example, a person with a
pain in the first joint of his or her finger may go to a physician for a diagnosis and be told that he
or she has arthritis (arthro = having to do with the joints; it is = meaning pain or inflammation).
The person who comes to you for advice is never a patient but rather a client. You cannot
advise, diagnose, prescribe or treat. You cannot cure anything. (Most natural health advocates
do not believe in cures anyway as the body will heal from the inside out, and we have confidence
in the body’s natural ability of self-restoration given the proper environment.) All of the above
is exclusive prerogative of the medical licensee.
The best way to obtain information from your client is to ask questions. If the client tells you of
his or her condition and names a disease that is okay. You are not the one who diagnosed the
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disease. Asking specific questions will let the client know you know what you are doing. In
addition, it will indicate your interest in his or her situation and will demonstrate your caring
attitude. Remember people seldom care how much you know until they first know how much
you care about them. You will learn the most by simply listening and asking questions. You
may ask questions such as, “Have you ever been told that you have ________” or “Have you
seen a medical doctor about your problems” If the client responds in the affirmative, you
should respond, “Good, then we can assume that you do not have a medical problem.” This will
reinforce in the client’s mind that you do not practice medicine. You may also make such true
statements as, “I had those same problems and I found help (not cure or relief) by doing/using
________,” or “If I had the same conditions you have I would ________.” After you have
analyzed the client’s situation, you should make your suggestions in a form, which will keep you
legal.
Doctors
have patients
treat disease
diagnose
prescribe
cure
Counselors
have clients
approach the problem
evaluate
suggest
stimulate healing
It is a good practice not to tell the client what to do but rather to suggest what “I would do if I
had your situation.” NEVER talk about the client’s arm but always talk about your own arm.
NEVER name a part of the client’s body but talk about your own body. Talk about healthy
lifestyles, exercise, nutritious foods, proper nutritional supplements, clean air, sunshine and right
thinking or attitudes. There are no laws, which prohibit you from talking about lifestyles and
healthy living such as suggestion to refrain from using toxic substances, alcoholic beverages,
caffeine and food-less foods.
You can talk about what the “current nutritional literature” says about food deficiencies and
possible sources of various vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
You can tell about your understanding of what the Scriptures teach about certain dietary
practices. You can advise about preservatives and food combining techniques as long as you do
not use your statement in a way to treat, or cure any bodily condition. Practice saying things in a
manner, which will be within the law and always, correct yourself if you make a slip.
One further word of advice, it is unwise to try to impress your clients by telling them of your
cures, successes, abilities or even what criteria you have used to evaluate their situations. Since
you may have the opportunity to listen to your own words in a court of law as the client will tend
to embellish your words and make you to be almost divine. Exhibit confidence in your work and
work in a professional manner. Also, avoid even the appearance of being “medical” in your
work. I have been in courtrooms of a practicing-medicine-without-a-license trial when the
prosecutor asked a witness, “What did the doctor’s office look like” “Was there medical
equipment in the office” “Did the doctor wear a white coat or dress as a doctor” “Were there
medical looking certificates on the doctor’s walls” “Did you think you were in a doctor’s
office” It is always best to avoid even the appearance of evil.
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I can spot the children who come to my office who have been previously to a medical doctor.
They are pulling and tugging on their mothers, trying to hide and are crying. Children who have
not been to medical doctors seem to enjoy visiting my office. If a child mistakes your office for
a doctor’s office, perhaps you should do some redecorating.
It is a good practice to use a health questionnaire and disclaimer for all clients. The
questionnaire can be used to obtain valuable information from the client about his eating habits,
allergic reactions, drugs he or she is taking, symptoms he is experiencing, problems he is having
and past medical histories. The disclaimer should be used to specifically state that you are not in
the practice of medicine and that you do not diagnose or treat any condition. Further, it should
state that your work (not practice) is limited to that of providing self-help education in natural
health matters and the advocating of a healthy lifestyle. You may even want the client to affirm
that he or she is there not seeking medical advice but rather seeking education advice, and not
visiting you on a mission of entrapment or as a representative of any state or local authority.
You Have Freedom of Religion
For many of us, our belief system is intrinsically tied in with our value system and lifestyle. The
Scriptures tell us to witness or share our beliefs (belief is the active form of the word faith). We
cannot separate sharing our faith from sharing our concept concerning the stewardship of our
bodies. For example, Genesis 1:29 tells us, “Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed…
and it shall be to thee as meat.” The Biblical definition of an herb is any eatable vegetation.
However, most of us do not eat “every herb bearing seed” but rather only those herbs, which
taste good. Our tastes have been so corrupted with sweets and things, which taste good that we
omit foods, which are sour, hot, bitter. It is interesting to note that bitter foods have a cleansing
effect on the body, hot herbs have a stimulating effect on the body and sour herbs have a toning
effect on the body. A person who eats only foods, which taste good, is missing the nutrition that
the Creator designed for the proper function of the body. No wonder so many people feel bad,
lack energy and have poor eliminative habits.
Additionally, the Scriptures have much to say about clean and unclean foods, food combining,
the drinking of blood and possibly the exchange of blood products. One can never be guilty of
practicing medicine if he or she is sharing his or her faith and beliefs. These are PROTECTED
freedoms for all citizens of the United States of America.
Recently, an Indiana man who had been accused of practicing medicine without a license was
under oath before a judge and was asked about his herb business and his religion. The man
quoted from the book of James which says, “To him that knoweth to do good and doeth not, to
him it is sin.” It would be a sin for him not to share his knowledge about herbs since doing so
was for him a good work or deed and not doing so would have been sin. How could you say it
any better! There is no law, which says a minister (most Christian faiths believe in the
priesthood of the believer) cannot teach health as it pertains to his or her religion. If your church
or faith does not provide you with the protection you need as a minister, then you should
possibly reply to those ads in the various health and religion magazines, which offer you the
protection of a minister. You are then protected by canon law against practicing medicine as
long as you do not violate the sacred ground of the medical licensee.
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There is no religion, which does not advocate prayer for the sick. It is well known that a person
can be sick because of a mental, physical or spiritual problem. A natural health professional
should be aware of the wholeness of man and seek ways to minister to the whole man.
Establishing a spiritual relationship with a client will do wonders in creating a desire for good
health, right thinking and a positive attitude. You will be surprised at the results you get from
prayer if you are not already praying for your clients. Many clients would feel self-conscious if
you uttered a verbal prayer and so, in those cases, a silent prayer to their Creator on their behalf
is all that is necessary. They need never know of your interest and prayer, but somehow they
will detect your special concern for them and will develop an appreciation for you and your
ministry. You can be spiritual and minister to the spiritual person without being religious.
There is Nothing to Fear
“There is nothing to fear but fear itself,” were the words, which rallied a nation in World War II.
The naturopath, wellness counselor, holistic health practitioner and natural health professional
have nothing to fear as long as they know the law and use the law to their advantage. Theories
of health, lifestyle, wholeness, conversation of health and dietary habits are no more licensable
than a religion and may be practiced with impunity as long as the rules of the profession are
observed. You are in one of the finest professions on the face of the earth and you should be
proud of your work and the truths for which you stand. Just because we do not believe, as our
medical contemporaries, that a poisonous substance that will make a well man sick can also
make a sick man well, we do not need to take a back seat to anyone. People often ask me what
the medical profession says about my work. My reply is simple. “I have no idea what they say;
they are not my peer group. I do not practice medicine and have no desire to become involved in
diagnosing symptoms or advocating poisonous remedies and, as such, will never have to sign a
death certificate.”
A Word to Naturopaths
Ten states have laws licensing naturopathic physicians which include Alaska, Arizona,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Even though some
states have licensing laws, getting a license may be something else since in some states the
licensing has been put under the control of the medical establishment and they may have failed to
even offer examinations or licenses. However, you still can operate within the law! You simply
operate as a health consultant, counselor, practitioner, pastoral health counselor, naturopathic
health practitioner or health guidance counselor. Remember you are not a naturopathic
PHYSICIAN since this term is generally reserved for a licensee of a state that licenses
naturopaths.
Conclusion
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Always keeping in mind your legal rights and limitations when working with your clients is the
most effective strategy you can employ. Your purpose is to help those who come to you for
assistance, not to diagnose or prescribe. This purpose, which is of the utmost importance, is
within your constitutional rights.
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SNH 103 Medical Jurisprudence
How to Practice Legally
True/False: If you believe the statement to be True, darken the letter A on the answer
sheet. If you believe it to be False, darken the letter B.
1. In the field of natural health there is a diversity of opinion on a variety of subjects.
2. You should use your own judgment as to how you use the material in your study.
3. Licensure is for the purpose of regularizing and legitimating a profession.
4. Most of those in the natural health field seek licensure.
5. The United States Constitution provides protection for an individual and the free
exercise of his rights in the Bill of Rights.
6. In natural health practices, it is acceptable in some instances to cross over into an
area normally reserved by state law for certain individuals.
7. Each Natural Health Counselor / Advisor should become aware of the laws
concerning medical practice in his/her state and abide by those laws.
8. A Naturopath does not have to use a descriptive title as long as the designation
has been earned.
9. A Natural Health Counselor can provide a diagnosis.
10. Never tell a client what to do; instead, make a suggestion.
11. The natural health professional should focus only on the physical problems of the
client and not the mental or spiritual.
12. Professions of religion, health and lifestyle may be practiced with impunity as
long as the rules of the profession are observed.
13. If a state has a licensing law you can still operate within the law as a health
consultant , counselor, practitioner and/or pastoral health counselor.
14. Your purpose is to help those who come to you for assistance and not to diagnose
or prescribe.
15. Certification imposes the same controls as licensure.
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6/11/2013

16. It is appropriate for the natural health professional to talk to the individual about
lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, nutritional supplements, fresh air, sunshine and a
positive emotional and spiritual state.
17. It´s a good idea to use a health questionnaire and disclaimer for all clients.
18. If a client asks what the medical profession thinks of the natural health profession,
explain that you do not practice medicine and they are not your peers.
19. The practitioner´s spiritual connection with a client does not affect the client´s
physical health.
20. Most states have laws that say that a minister cannot teach health as it pertains to
his or her religion.
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Answer Booklet
TRINITY SCHOOL OF NATURAL HEALTH
220 PARKER ST.
WARSAW, IN 46580
SNH 103 Medical Jurisprudence
Enclosed are the answer sheets for the test SNH 103.
Please be sure to fill out the answer sheets and return for grading.
It is recommended that you keep a copy of your work.
Tests are recycled after 60 days of being graded.
NOT ALL TESTS WILL HAVE AN
ANSWER BOOKLET AT THIS TIME.
(800) 428-0408 tests@trinityschool.org
http://www.TrinitySchool.org

ev. 5/25/07
SNH 103 Student Answer Sheet
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TRINITY SCHOOL OF NATURAL HEALTH
220 PARKER ST., WARSAW, IN 46580
1-800-428-0408
tests@trinityschool.org
http://www.TrinitySchool.org
SNH 103
MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE
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