HB3721 Summary: Naturopathic Medical Practice Act

• Creates the Naturopathic Medical Practice Act establishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic physicians in Illinois through a new Naturopathic Physician Medical Board.

• Requires naturopathic physicians to graduate from Council on Naturopathic Medical Education-accredited programs and pass professional examinations in naturopathic practice, pharmacy, and minor surgery administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners.

• Defines scope of practice including physical examinations, laboratory testing, prescription and dispensing of legend drugs and Schedules II-V controlled substances, vaccines, botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, and minor office procedures.

• Prohibits naturopathic physicians from performing general surgery, using general anesthesia, performing procedures on sensitive anatomical areas (eyes, ears, tendons, nerves, arteries, veins), treating suspected malignancies, and performing acupuncture.

• Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to add naturopathic physicians to definitions of "practitioner," "prescriber," and "prescription" to allow their participation in controlled substance prescribing and the Prescription Monitoring Program.