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Requirements For Becoming A Hypnotist In Oregon

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WHAT YOU NEED TO OPEN A HYPNOTHERAPY PRACTICE IN OREGON

Please Note: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

In general, hypnotists are exempt from professional licensing requirements in Oregon. Read on for more information. 

When could a hypnosis practice be considered a medical practice in the state of Oregon? 

If a hypnotist does any of the following, they can be considered practicing medicine under ORS 677.085:

  1. They advertise or represent themselves as authorized to practice medicine in Oregon
  2. They offer or agree to prescribe, give, or administer drugs or medicine to someone else
  3. They claim or agree to diagnose, cure, or treat any disease, illness, pain, wound, fracture, infirmity, deformity, defect, or abnormal physical or mental condition of any person using any means, methods, devices, or instruments.
  4. Unless exempted by ORS 677.060, they add the letters "M.D." or "D.O." to their name or use terms like "Doctor," "Physician," "Surgeon," or similar words or abbreviations, in connection with their name or any trade name they are associated with, while engaging in any occupation or profession related to the diagnosis or treatment of human diseases or conditions mentioned in the previous points.

In Oregon, practicing medicine without a license is considered a serious offense and is classified as a Class C felony under ORS 677.990. This means that anyone found guilty of practicing medicine without the appropriate licensing can face severe legal consequences. These may include fines, jail time, and the possibility of being banned from obtaining a medical license in the future. This strict stance underscores the importance of making your hypnosis practice clearly distinct from a medical practice. 

What hypnosis claims can you make in the state of Oregon? 

If you are not a licensed medical practitioner but practice hypnosis, it is important to use language that accurately reflects your qualifications and the scope of your practice. Here are some words and phrases to avoid using:

  • "Doctor" or "Dr.": Referring to yourself as a doctor may give the impression that you hold a medical degree or have medical expertise. Unless you are a licensed medical professional, it may be best to avoid using this title, or clearly specify what your doctorate is in.
  • "Medical," "Medicine," or "Treatment": Unless you are working in collaboration with a licensed medical professional and have appropriate qualifications, it is advisable to avoid using terms that imply medical diagnosis, treatment, or the practice of medicine.
  • "Diagnose" or "Cure": Avoid using language that suggests you can diagnose or cure medical conditions or mental health disorders. Hypnosis is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care, and it is important to be clear about the limitations of your practice.

Even though a license isn't required to start a hypnosis business in Oregon, you will need to be mindful of the language you use when advertising your services. 

Do hypnotists in Oregon need to be certified? 

A certified hypnotist is a person who has obtained their certification from a professional hypnosis organization like the National Guild of Hypnotists. 

Hypnotists in Oregon do not need to be certified. 

While certification may not be legally required for hypnotists in Oregon, there are several good reasons to become certified:

  1. Certification demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and ethical standards. It can enhance your credibility and reputation as a hypnotist, reassuring clients that you have undergone appropriate training and adhere to a code of ethics.
  2. Certification programs often involve comprehensive training and education in advanced hypnosis techniques (ours even includes business building). By pursuing certification, you can expand your knowledge, learn new techniques, and refine your skills, ultimately improving your ability to help clients.
  3. Being certified can inspire confidence in potential clients. It shows that you have met certain standards and have the necessary skills to practice hypnosis effectively and safely. Certification can give clients peace of mind and increase their trust in your abilities.

A comprehensive hypnosis training and certification program can get you on a successful path to starting your own practice in Oregon.