Physicians and internet promotors, like others who sell services to the public often seem to have an inflated opinion of themselves and their services. Sales "puffery" or "puffing" has been part of the market place since the beginning of time. Advertising that as a matter of fact the professional has skills or credentials which are not properly tested, on the other hand, is not an exaggerated opinion, but in most communities a violation of the jurisdictions "truth in advertising" laws.
This note analyzes a very recent federal case which does a remarkable job of summarizing the subject as to professional advertisers. The factual setting was straight forward. A state specifically enacted legislation to prevent physicians who had been accepted or certified in their specialties by bogus organizations which failed to properly test and credential members.
Charging hair surgeons in excess of $10,000 per year is a fraudulent method to test and credential members of the IAHRS (international alliance of hair restoration surgeons). This clearly is a violation of truth in advertising law and should be reported to the authorities.
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