Say No to Unlicensed Health Care
There is a growing problem of unlicensed health care in Nevada, with many scammers targeting the Latino community. Uncertified individuals in Nevada are posing as qualified health care providers and are illegally practicing medicine. This issue covers all health care being practiced without a license required by law, including dentistry, cosmetology, pharmacy, osteopathy, and many others.
In response to the rising public health concern, the Nevada State Health Division, University of Nevada, Reno Latino Research Center, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office are working together to build a statewide campaign that will raise awareness to educate the community and help stop people from falling victim to these fake health care practitioners.
The awareness campaign, which is possible through a grant former Attorney General Masto secured via a settlement with UnitedHealth, has multiple components. Some include an action plan, posters and brochures to provide information about unlicensed health care, how to identify a certified physician, and where to report unlicensed activity.
The campaign has been developed with the assistance of former Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa.
2013 Nevada Legislative Update
Several measures that impact unlicensed health care passed the 77th Nevada Legislative Session. The new laws passed include:
Report It to Nevada 211
Report illegal medical activity by calling 2-1-1. Callers may remain anonymous if they so wish.
People may also text their five-digit zip code to 898211 (TXT211). Standard text message rates may apply. You can remain anonymous but will need information on activity being reported, where activity is occurring (address, date, and times), name of witness(s), also name of person performing medical activity, how you learned about them, and how to contact them. Texting Nevada 211 is fast and easy.
Resources
Action Plan summary (English) / Action Plan summary (Español)
Action Plan full version
Supplementary Tool kit
No to Unlicensed Physicians Flyer (English) / No to Unlicensed Physicians Flyer (Español)
No to Unlicensed Physicians Brochure
UNR Latino Research Center press release
Additional Websites
UNR Latino Research Center
Nevada State Health Division