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GEHA vs. DIY PMA

Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association vs. Do-It-Yourself Private Membership Association

Why Choose a Proven Ecclesiastical Framework?

Are You Considering Setting Up Your Own PMA?
Don’t Risk Your Practice With Untested Solutions

Before you invest time and resources into creating your own Private Membership Association, discover why hundreds of holistic practitioners choose GEHA’s established Ecclesiastical framework.

What is a pma really?

A Private Membership Association is a constitutionally-protected private organization that operates outside of public regulation by creating a private contractual relationship between members and service providers.

How a PMA Works

The Private Domain Concept

  • When clients sign a membership agreement, they move from the “public domain” into the “private domain”
  • This creates constitutional protections under the 1st and 14th Amendments
  • All services, records, and interactions become private contractual matters rather than public regulatory issues

Key Constitutional Protection

  • 1st Amendment: Religious freedom and freedom of association
  • 14th Amendment: Due process and equal protection rights
  • Church Autonomy Doctrine: Courts historically defer to established religious organizations’ internal governance

Why PMA Protection Matters

Legal Reality for Holistic Practitioners

Increasing scrutiny from state licensing boards and regulatory agencies
PMAs create protection from public health regulations through private contract law
Services are governed by private agreement rather than state licensing requirements

GEHA’s PMA structure

How GEHA Operates as a PMA

  • GEHA is a 501(c)(3) religious and charitable organization that functions as a Private Membership Association
  • When clients sign the Lifecare Agreement, they automatically become free members of the GEHA community
  • This moves them from public domain into private domain with full constitutional protections

The Lifecare Agreement System

  • Unique contract between “Client Member” and “Licensed Ecclesiastical Holistic Practitioner”
  • Clients acknowledge you do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prescribe
  • Clients waive HIPAA rights, reinforcing the private nature of the relationship
  • All records, notes, conversations, and forms remain confidential within the PMA
  • Only accessible by the practitioner and client

Before you invest time and resources into creating your own Private Membership Association, discover why hundreds of holistic practitioners choose GEHA’s established Ecclesiastical framework.

The Protection You Need, The Legitimacy You Deserve

Comparison chart showing five categories of GEHA benefits including legal services, technology, qualification process, marketing support, and rules, with green sections highlighting premium features

Why PMA Protection Matters More Than Ever

The Legal Reality Every Holistic Practitioner Must Understand

In today’s regulatory environment, holistic practitioners face increasing scrutiny from state licensing boards and regulatory agencies. A Private Membership Association (PMA) creates a constitutionally-protected private domain where your services are governed by private contract rather than public regulation. However, not all PMAs are created equal.

The Critical Difference

GEHA's PMA: Established 501(c)(3) religious organization with 8+ years of proven protection
DIY PMA: Untested contractual arrangement with no legal precedent nor court recognition

When clients sign GEHA’s Lifecare Agreement, they automatically become free members of our PMA community, moving them from the public domain into the private domain with full constitutional protections. All records, conversations, and forms remain completely confidential within the PMA structure.

Ready to Secure Your Practice with
Proven Protection?

Join Our Community of Protected Practitioners. Don’t risk your practice with an untested DIY solution.

GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • 501(c)(3) Religious & Charitable Organization under GEMA
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Contractual private entity, not IRS recognized
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Ecclesiastical License (protected by 1st & 14th Amendments)
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • No formal license —operates under private agreements
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Rooted in Eight Essential Biblical Truths
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Varies widely; not necessarily faith-based
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Includes access to NCLL legal support and formal procedures
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Limited legal defense; relies on private contract claims
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Clearly defined, legally vetted scope operating in all 50 states
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Must develop own scope without legal guidance
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Mandatory Lifecare Agreement (stored via HHL platform)
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Often has basic member agreements; varies in formality
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Required; must list GEHA as additional insured
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Often optional; no centralized enforcement
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Background check, Biblical quiz, formal vetting process
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Usually minimal or self-verified
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Holistic Health Link listing required
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • None or individually maintained directories
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Educational, ministerial, and holistic healing under Scripture
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Can be commercial, political, or undefined
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Simple dashboard-based, with data retention for reactivation
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • Varies; often no structured reactivation
GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light
  • Yes – tax-exempt 501(c)(3)
DIY PMA Circular Logo
  • No – not IRS-recognized
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GEHA Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association official logo with caduceus symbol and radiating light

Address

GEHA Executive Offices/Mailing
1919 Baywood Dr.
Unit A
Sarasota, FL
34231, United States

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your holistic wellness services

Join the leading faith-based association for holistic practitioners.

*The information provided on the GEHA website is to inform and educate. It is not intended to diagnosis or treat, or to replace the advice of your primary health care professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. GEHA does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this website from GEHA members or associates.