HB 692 – Enact Naturopathic Doctors Certification Act
Primary Sponsors: Rep. Jeff Collins (R – Nash), Rep. Susan Fisher (D – Buncombe), Rep. Donny Lambeth (R – Forsyth), Rep. Nelson Dollar (R – Wake)
This bill would establish certification and education standards for the practice of naturopathic medicine.
The bill is similar to SB 258- Enact Naturopathic Doctors Certification Act. However, the key difference is creation of an Advisory Council to advise the Board and develop recommendations for collaboration. The Advisory Council would include:
- Two licensed physicians appointed by the North Carolina Medical Society;
- Two certified naturopathic doctors appointed by the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians;
- One licensed pharmacist or pharmacologist appointed by the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists;
- One licensed advanced practice registered nurse appointed by the North Carolina Nursing Association.
This bill would provide standards for the certification of naturopathic doctors in North Carolina.
The bill defines four different types of programs that would be approved including the following:
- A graduate level program with clinical training that is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education or an equivalent federally recognized accrediting body recognized by the NC Naturopathic Naturopathic Doctors Certification Board;
- A program that is offered by an institution accredited by the US Secretary of Education;
- A program that has provincial approval for participation in government funded student aid;
- A program approved by the NC Naturopathic Doctors Certification Board.
The bill defines naturopathic scope to include the following:
- Administer natural medicines, therapies, topical medicines, hydrotherapy, dietary therapy and naturopathic physical medicine;
- Ordering and performing physical examinations;
- Ordering, performing, and interpreting laboratory tests;
- Ordering diagnostic imaging including X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, and mammograms;
- Perform health education and health counseling, including dietary and lifestyle counseling;
- Perform care to lacerations and abrasions including local anesthetics.
The bill would also create the North Carolina Naturopathic Certification Board which would include seven members. Two of these members would by physicians appointed by the Governor.
The bill would require all applicants to receive a criminal background check, and pay a fee.