- Introduced -

SB 372 - This act regulates the licensing and registration of naturopathic physicians.

New definitions are provided relating to naturopathic medicine (Section 334.1000). The act establishes requirements and procedures for the licensure of naturopaths (Section 334.1003).

The Advisory Commission for Naturopathic Medicine is established to license and supervise all naturopathic physicians. The Commission shall consist of six members, one of which must be a public member, who will be appointed by the Governor. Each member shall serve a four year term, except for the members first appointed (Section 334.1006).

The Commission has the power to subpoena witnesses and records along with the power to enforce the Commission's subpoenas in circuit court (Section 334.1009). Anyone providing the Commission with information in good faith will not be subject to civil liability (Section 334.1012).

The State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts has the authority to adopt rules for licensing, enforce the provisions of Sections 334.1000 to 334.1048, set the amount of fees, and deposit moneys in the Board's fund. The Board may prescribe continuing education requirements and employ personnel to carry out the proscribed duties (Section 334.1015).

Naturopaths must display a license or certificate in a conspicuous location that is accessible to the public (Section 334.1018). Any person seeking to practice as a naturopathic physician must have their fitness examined by the Board. An average score of seventy-five is required to pass (Section 334.1021).

Section 334.1024 creates a list of persons who are exempt from the licensure requirements. Section 334.1027 creates a list of requirements for naturopathic physicians to be licensed without satisfying the requirements of Section 334.1015.

Any person violating the provisions of Sections 334.1000 to 334.1048 will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor (Section 334.1030).

A naturopathic physician must meet the Board's minimum requirements for continuing education in order to renew a certificate of registration (Section 334.1033). Every licensed naturopathic physician must renew their certificate of registration on or before the renewal date. A blank application form for registration will be mailed to the last known office or residence address. The failure to receive the application form does not mitigate the duty to register or exempt from penalties (Section 334.1036). Registration fees must be paid to the Director of the Department and must accompany the application for registration (Section 334.1039).

The Board may seek discipline of a license or to deny a license to an applicant for specified causes, or alternatively issue a restricted or probated license. Further, the Board may seek summary suspension of a license upon meeting certain requirements (Section 334.1042).

The Board must publish quarterly a list of the names and addresses of all licensed naturopaths. The Board must also publish a list of all licensed naturopaths that have suspended, revoked, or denied licenses (Section 334.1045).

LORIE TOWE