Do You Need a Medical Disclaimer?
So, you may be thinking, I don't offer in-depth medical advice, why do I need a disclaimer? However, do you have a site that focuses on any health-related information? Do any of your posts relate to fitness, diet, exercise, physical health, or mental health?
Are you promoting any health-related products? That includes something as simple as vitamins, dietary supplements or protein shakes, for example. Do you discuss injuries, medical devices, diseases, therapy etc?
This also includes sites relating to animals and their treatment.
If any of the above apply, then you need a medical disclaimer. You need to tell your visitors that you are offering information, not advice and that they should consult a doctor or veterinarian before making any lifestyle changes.
Here are some examples of the wording you can use.
"You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider"
"If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider"
"If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention"
Please protect yourselves from any legal action.
Recent Comments
60
Thanks for sharing.
I have a skincare website where I do not talk about medical issues but sometimes find I have to mention things like supplements or some form of skin disorder like age pigments.
Since my site is more about skincare products, I do find myself in the middle, "do I need a disclaimer, do I not need a disclaimer".
Sometimes it`s tricky to know what next.
Good Morning Diane,
I have one site on Health and the other more on Environmental issues. On the second one I do talk about Mother Nature and her gifts like Aloe Vera, clay, etc.
Both sites have a glaring red and ugly widget on the sidebar with a Medical disclaimer.
Greetings from the south of Spain,
Taetske
I like to use the statement as follows that is similar to what nutritional supplement companies use.
The examples shown and the opinions given are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. This is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for your individual condition.
I agree when one has a niche that is in the health and wellness field, a disclaimer is prudent.
Thanks for bringing up this important point.
Edwin
Hi Diane,
Thank you for sharing this post, that reminds me to ask you one question. In my health website I have already a Medical Disclaimer, but in the cosmetic website, which provides as well, information about skincare, do I need to use the same Medical Disclaimer, or it is a specific one for this niche?
Thank you in advance.
Diana.
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Good advice. I used to sell magnetic health care products, and the company hammered into us that we must not say the products "cure" anything. We couldn't even use the words "pain relief." It was safe to say "remove discomfort." It's wise to make the disclaimer just to be on the safe side.