SB1951 Summary: Naturopathic Physicians Licensure

• Establishes licensure of naturopathic physicians in Illinois under the Medical Practice Act of 1987, requiring graduation from an approved naturopathic medical program accredited by the United States Council on Naturopathic Medical Education with at least 4,200 hours of graduate-level training.

• Requires naturopathic physician applicants to pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) or equivalent national competency examination administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners.

• Increases Medical Disciplinary Board and Medical Licensing Board membership from 11 and 7 to 12 and 8 members respectively, each board to include one naturopathic physician member.

• Makes conforming changes across multiple statutes including School Code, Insurance Code, Geriatric Medicine Assistance Act, Patients' Right to Know Act, Naprapathic Practice Act, Physical Therapy Act, and Health Care Arbitration Act to recognize naturopathic physicians alongside other licensed practitioners.

• Effective immediately upon becoming law.