CS for SB 44(HSS) - Naturopathy Licensing

• Establishes licensure requirements for naturopaths requiring a doctoral degree from an accredited naturopathic medical school, passage of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination, and a pharmaceutical examination equivalent to physician standards.

• Creates a Naturopathy Advisory Board with five members (including two licensed naturopaths, one pharmacist, one physician, and one public member) to advise the Department of Commerce on regulations and policy.

• Defines the scope of naturopathic practice to include natural therapeutic substances, natural therapies, vaccines, contraceptive devices, and limited surgical procedures on superficial tissues; prohibits naturopaths from prescribing cancer chemotherapeutic agents, controlled substances, and from using the title "physician."

• Requires continuing education equivalent to physician assistants, including mandatory training in pain management and opioid use and addiction, and establishes disciplinary grounds including conviction of felonies, sexual misconduct, professional incompetence, and failure to comply with health reporting requirements.

• Effective January 1, 2024; allows current licensed naturopaths to continue practice under existing rules until license expiration.