HB 1427 Summary

• Establishes licensure requirements for naturopathic doctors in Indiana, effective July 1, 2018, requiring a doctorate from an approved naturopathic medical program and passage of a national or state competency examination.

• Creates a seven-member Board of Naturopathic Medicine consisting of five licensed naturopathic doctors with at least five years of Indiana practice experience and two consumer members with no health occupation licensure.

• Permits licensed naturopathic doctors to perform diagnostic examinations, order imaging studies, dispense natural medicines, perform minor office procedures (with board approval), and provide health education, but prohibits prescribing controlled substances, major surgery, and practicing as other regulated health care providers.

• Requires licensed naturopathic doctors to complete continuing education for license renewal every two years and mandates licensed health care providers, health care facilities, state agencies, and law enforcement to file complaints with the board within 30 days if they reasonably believe a naturopathic doctor is violating standards of practice.

• Prohibits unlicensed individuals from using titles "naturopathic doctor," "doctor of naturopathy," or initials "N.D." or "NMD" to indicate or imply licensure under this article.