Weight Loss Clinic Regulations

The number of weight loss clinics has expanded as people decide that obesity is both a health hazard and an annoyance. Many might wonder whether or not the weight loss clinic that they frequent is following state regulations. Though it's impossible to list every single regulation from all fifty states, here is a basic outline.

Privacy

• One universal regulation states that all patient information will be kept confidential. There are ways in which a facility might be able to disclose personal information, the first being that the patient has agreed to permit the information to be disclosed.

  In other cases the clinic can share your information with collection agencies if you fail to pay. This is part of your agreement with the weight loss clinic. There are a few other instances in which the clinic might be able to share your information, such as in the event of your death, for legal procedures, or for legal reasons.

Sanitation

• There are a number of rules for sanitation and cleanliness. One of the biggest is the use of showers before the use of saunas and swimming pools. Though this might not be followed in the real world, it needs to be enforced in medical settings. Those who have open wounds should not be permitted to use these facilities.

Firearms

• Other than law enforcement personnel, no one may carry firearms into any medical facility. This includes weight loss clinics, and you need to make sure the facility you use complies with this rule.

Age Restriction

• Anyone who is under the legal age requires the consent of a parent or guardian to use a weight loss clinic. Most states require that children younger than 14 must have a parent or guardian present during their treatment.

State to State

• The regulations for each state vary, but they are relatively based on common sense. Generally the rules will differ from clinic to clinic, but they all must comply with the standard guidelines set by the state. One of the biggest variables has to do with personal belongings: Although most weight loss facilities will not claim responsibility for some items, others might take care of them.

Promises and Guarantees

• Federal law requires absolute honesty when dealing with patients. This means that there can be no misinformation that would lead to a sale.

Examples

• One company, LA Weight Loss, was accused of misleading customers as to the effectiveness of its program. The company settled with some states and agreed to pay refunds to some customers. Before you sign any agreements or contracts, make sure the weight loss facility you are considering is following all of the rules.