SB 573 - Enact Naturopathic Doctors Licensure Act

SB 573 – Enact Naturopathic Doctors Licensure Act

Primary Sponsors: Sen. Joyce Krawiec (R-Forsyth), Sen. Jerry Tillman (R-Guilford)

Bill Summary

Definitions

Approved naturopathic medicine program must meet all of the following conditions:

• Graduate level, full time didactic and supervised clinical training in naturopathic medicine that is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education
• Program offered by a higher education that is accredited by the US Secretary of Education.
• Program approved by the NC Naturopathic Doctors License Board

The bill defines naturopathic medicine as a system of natural health care that employs diagnosis and treatment using natural therapies for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of the disease including all of the following:

• Administration of any of the following: natural medicines, natural therapies, natural topical medicines, hydrotherapy, dietary therapy and naturopathic and physical medicine
• Use of diagnostic procedures including physical and orificial examination but excluding endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy
• Ordering, performing, and interpreting lab tests and diagnostic imaging
• Manual use of massage, stretching, resistance, or nauturopathic manipulation

Scope of Practice

• Dispense, administer, order and advise use of natural remedies
• Order and perform physical examinations and physiological function tests
• Order, perform and interpret laboratory tests, including obtaining specimens to access and treat disease.
• Order diagnostic imaging
• Hydrotherapy
• Health education and health counseling
• Utilize routes of administration for substances
• Perform care incidental to superficial lacerations and abrasions

NC Naturopathic Doctors Licensure Board

• Consists of 7 members
  • 2 NDs recommended by the President Pro Tempore
  • 2 NDs recommended by the Speaker of the House
  • 2 licensed physicians appointed by the Governor
  • 2 public members appointed by the Governor

Naturopathic Doctors Formulary Council

• 2 NDs licensed in NC with two years of practice experience
• 1 physician who is involved in the practice of integrative medicine
• 1 physician who practices in NC
• 1 pharmacist who has a background in pharmacognosy
• 1 public member

This bill states that the Board would be responsible for recommending a formulary for use by NDs. The board would review the formulary annually.

Qualifications for Licensure

• Good moral and ethical character
• Graduate of an approved program
• Has either passed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination or has successfully completed a competency based state or Canadian province licensing examination administered prior to NPLEX
• An agreement to collaborate and consult with a licensed physician

Bill Movement

This bill was filed on April 3, 2019.