Senate Bill 508 Summary

• Establishes licensure requirement for naturopathic physicians in Indiana, effective December 31, 2017, with limited exceptions for federal employees, out-of-state practitioners, and students under supervision.

• Creates a 5-member State Board of Naturopathic Medicine consisting of 3 licensed naturopathic doctors and 2 consumer members, appointed by the governor with advice from the state health commissioner.

• Requires applicants to hold a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from an approved program and pass either the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners exam or a board-approved state/provincial exam.

• Authorizes licensed naturopathic doctors to perform physical and laboratory examinations, prescribe natural medicines and dietary supplements, administer various therapeutic treatments, and perform minor office procedures (subject to board approval).

• Prohibits licensed practitioners from prescribing controlled substances (except as board-approved), performing surgery beyond minor procedures, using general anesthetics, or practicing as physicians, dentists, psychologists, or other licensed professions without appropriate licensure.