The US Federal Trade Commission released comments October 2nd on proposed regulations governing retail health clinics in Massachusetts. Here's a bit from the FTC's press release:
The FTC staff comments state that such clinics might expand access to basic health care services for certain consumers and might spur price or quality competition with more traditional clinics or physician practices. Therefore, DPH's proposal to permit them is commendable. The comments also state that the agency's proposal of regulatory flexibility "might be especially helpful in an emerging market, as health care providers explore different ways to deliver basic care on a competitive basis." At the same time, however, the comments state that the proposed requirement that all LSC advertising be pre-approved by the DPH "may be overly restrictive," and recommends that it be struck from the regulations.
For more detail read the FTC press release, FTC's comments dated September 27, 2007, or the proposed Massachusetts regulations.