Massachusetts § 6 - Unauthorized or unregistered practice of medicine; penalties

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 6 — Unauthorized or unregistered practice of medicine; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 6. Unauthorized or unregistered practice of medicine; penalties

Section 6. Except as provided in section sixty-five, whoever, not being lawfully authorized to practice medicine within the commonwealth and registered under section two, or corresponding provisions of earlier laws, or under section one or two of chapter five hundred and twenty-six of the acts of nineteen hundred and nine, holds himself out as a practitioner of medicine or practices or attempts to practice medicine in any of its branches, or whoever practices medicine under a false or assumed name or under a name other than that by which he is registered, or whoever personates another practitioner, or whoever practices or attempts to practice any fraud in connection with the filing of an application, or whoever files an application under a false or assumed name or under a name other than his own, or whoever personates or attempts to personate another applicant for registration during an examination, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not less than one month nor more than one year, or both. A person rendering medical service in violation of this section shall recover no compensation therefor.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 6

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 6 cover?

Section 6 ("Unauthorized or unregistered practice of medicine; penalties") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 6?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 6" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 6 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.