Attorney General files suit

Attorney General Christine Gregoire has filed a lawsuit against a self-proclaimed natural medicine practitioner for making unsubstantiated medical claims about the effectiveness of "electro-dermal testing" to diagnose certain health conditions.

The AG's office believes Monte Kline and Pacific Health Centers in Bellevue and Spokane have violated the Consumer Protection Act by misrepresenting Kline's credentials to offer medical advice to consumers; misrepresenting the diagnostic capabilities of the electro-dermal testing device; and using that device in a manner that has not been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

Kline claims "electro-dermal testing" can identify ailments such as allergies, nutrient deficiencies, "energetically weak organs," and certain viruses and toxicities in the body.

Gregoire believes Pacific Health Center has administered this test to at least 3,000 consumers over the past two years. The Consumer Protection Act authorizes a penalty of up to $2,000 per violation. The state is asking the court to order Pacific Health Center to discontinue "electro-dermal testing," as well as provide consumer restitution, and pay civil penalties and attorney's costs and fees.

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