HF 3639 Summary

• Converts naturopathic doctor registration to licensure effective July 1, 2022, requiring individuals to obtain a license to practice naturopathic medicine instead of registration.

• Establishes licensure requirements including completion of an approved naturopathic medical program, passing the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination, and meeting ongoing continuing education standards of 30 contact hours annually (increased from 25).

• Prohibits unlicensed individuals from practicing naturopathic medicine effective July 1, 2023, with exceptions for other licensed health care practitioners and complementary/alternative practitioners who do not claim to practice naturopathic medicine.

• Defines scope of practice for licensed naturopathic doctors including ordering/prescribing non-prescription medications, performing physical examinations, ordering laboratory tests, and referring for diagnostic imaging, while prohibiting prescription of legend drugs, anesthesia administration, and surgical procedures beyond superficial tissue.

• Increases continuing education requirement in pharmacotherapeutics from 5 to 10 hours annually and establishes transition requirements for advisory council members to obtain licenses by January 1, 2024.