And, presumably, strong states’-rights advocates would agree that each state could determine the appropriate licensing requirements for doctors. A desert state might say “we don’t need doctors to submit a detailed plan for dealing with humidity control”; a southeastern coastal state might consider that more important.

And given the ease with which persons in multiple states can access an advice columnist, it’s entirely valid to ask that this person verify that they meet the licensing requirements for every state in which they might want to broadcast their messages. It’s not unheard of; financial workers already need individual certifications for any state where they want to have clients, even if they only deal with those clients over the phone.

Although Mannie suggests a better way to do it, and I’m surprised that the guy wasn’t doing that already.

“The foregoing constitutes general discussion, not professional advice. The reader is encouraged to retain a competent medical, psychological, or psychiatric professional or a licensed bartender prior to basing any action or decision on this discussion. Not valid in Kentucky.”

Any settlement, however, should include State reimbursement of Dr. Rosemond and the newspaper for their reasonable expenses in upholding the First Amendment.

Bob