SB 1197 - This act regulates the licensing of naturopathic practitioners and the requirements and procedures for the initial licensure of naturopaths. This act established the Advisory Commission for Naturopathic Medicine for the purpose of advising the State Board of Healing Arts on the licensure and supervision of all naturopathic practitioners. The Commission shall consist of six members, one of whom shall 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. The State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts shall have the authority to adopt rules for licensing, enforce the provisions of this act, set the amount of fees, and deposit moneys in the Board's fund. The Board may prescribe continuing education requirements.
Naturopathic practitioners shall display a license or certificate in a conspicuous location that is accessible to the public. Any person seeking to practice as a naturopathic doctor must take and pass required examinations. Persons licensed in other states that authorize the practice of naturopathy shall be licensed without examination. The Board is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states.
This act creates a list of persons who are exempt from the licensure requirements, including a provision to allow for the licensure of naturopathic practitioners who do not satisfy certain education requirements to become licensed, provided such practitioners meet other requirements relating to the active practice of naturopathic medicine. Such persons shall apply for licensure by July 1, 2024.
Any person violating the provisions of this act shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
A naturopathic doctor shall meet the Board's minimum requirements for continuing education in order to renew a license. Every licensed naturopathic doctor shall renew his or her license on or before the renewal date. A blank application form for registration shall be mailed to the last known office or residence address. The failure to receive the application form shall not mitigate the duty to register or exempt such licensee from penalties. Registration fees must be paid to the Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance and shall accompany the application for registration.
The Board shall be required to adopt a naturopathic formulary that details the drugs and substances that may administered by naturopathic practitioners under the order of a physician. In no event shall the formulary include any controlled substance.
This act is substantially similar to SB 1213 (2006).
SARAH HASKINS