AK HB91

Establishes a Naturopathy Advisory Board in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development consisting of five members (two public members and three licensed naturopaths) to meet annually and provide recommendations on regulations and policy.

Requires naturopath applicants to hold a doctoral degree from an accredited naturopathic medical school and pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination; applicants must also submit fingerprints for criminal background checks.

Defines the scope of naturopathic practice to include prescribing natural therapeutic substances, performing limited office procedures for superficial wounds, and ordering diagnostic tests; naturopaths are prohibited from giving controlled substances, cancer chemotherapy agents, or engaging in major surgery.

Establishes grounds for license discipline including fraud, incompetence, sexual misconduct, drug violations, and criminal convictions; allows civil penalties up to $25,000 and provides for license suspension, revocation, or probation.

Takes effect January 1, 2021, with regulations to be adopted by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; allows current naturopath licensees to continue practicing under existing licenses until normal expiration.