Substitute Bill No. 437 Summary

• Redefines the practice of natureopathy to include diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease through stimulation of the body's natural healing processes, as approved by the State Board of Natureopathic Examiners and Connecticut's Commissioner of Public Health.

• Expands the scope of natureopathic practice to include ordering diagnostic tests and medical devices such as continuous glucose monitors, glucose meters, barrier contraceptives, and durable medical equipment.

• Adds authority for naturopaths to perform minor clinical procedures including removing ear wax and foreign bodies, shaving corns and calluses, spirometry, tuberculosis testing, vaccine administration, venipuncture, and minor wound repair including suturing.

• Maintains the existing practices of mechanotherapy, articular manipulation, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, phototherapy, nutrition, dietetics, and phytotherapy as part of natureopathic treatment.

• Defines "natural substances" as non-narcotic substances that do not require a prescription and are administered only orally, effective October 1, 2014.