SB 317 - This act deals with the regulation and licensing of the practice of naturopathic medicine, which is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, ailments, infirmities, and other conditions of the human mind and body which includes, but is not limited to, natural means, minor surgery, or the prescribing or dispensing of substances.

The State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts must adopt rules requiring doctors of naturopathic medicine to be certified and registered and must conduct licensing examinations and collect fees. The Board may also require additional rules. The required examination must include certain parts, listed in Section 334.307. The examination requirement may be waived under certain circumstances. Anyone holding a license or certificate under this provision must display the document to the public.

A naturopathic medical student or doctor of naturopathic medicine may engage in clinical training or internships and may perform certain naturopathic treatment procedures if issued a certificate by the Board and if under the supervision of a physician. The certificate will be suspended if the student leaves the program or the physician withdraws from supervision.

A doctor of naturopathic medicine may dispense substances or devices to patients if the doctor is certified and the substances are properly labeled with the appropriate information. Before dispensing anything, the treating doctor must give a written statement to the patient or the patient's legal guardian stating that the prescription may be filled by the treating doctor or the patient's pharmacy of choice.

Any person violating the provisions of these sections is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
ERIN MOTLEY