Having the state regulate LC's has been an unpopular idea in the LC
community.  But it was looked into at one time. From what I understand, the
states have been reluctant to regulate or license LC's. There isn't enough
danger to the public to justify registration or licensing.
I feel that the more this non-LC stuff goes on the greater the danger both to
the babies and to the profession. I've said it before: What will it take a
dead baby or a huge lawsuit before people are protected from the untrained?
The only *comfort* I have is this from  Pricilla Bornmann, JD,  in "Legal
Considerations And The Lactation Consultant-USA" (LC series Unit #3): "...
the conduct of an uncertified person who represents herself as a lactation
consultant, and who falsely claims to act as an LC, is judged by the same
standard as if that person were properly certified." referenced to a Fort
Worth Texas case (Clark vrs Harris Hospital ) in 1976. But the damage such a
lawsuit would do to the entire profession might take years to repair.
The only way I can see to get past this non-LC problem right now is to
EDUCATE the public. Ask dissatisfied mothers write the hospital
administrator. (Remember the reforms in childbirth?) Hospitals even HMO's
need to make money, regardless of what they say. They have to attract
business and keep up with the Joneses. One hospital in my area provides LC
service through their ER. They boast 3 "LC's" on staff (Only one is
certified) but the real kicker is the parents are charged for an ER visit for
this LC help. The "LC's" are paid an hourly wage. But the hospital is making
big money on this. Anyone visit an ER lately?
If any more of you are interested in the entire  "What is an LC" flier I will
sent it to you via private email,  or I can include it on LACTNET, just let
me know.
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Marie Davis ([log in to unmask])