Senate Bill 467 - Naturopathic Licensing Act Summary

• Establishes the North Carolina Naturopathic Doctors Licensure Act, creating a regulatory framework for naturopathic doctors to practice naturopathic medicine in the state effective January 1, 2012.

• Creates the North Carolina Naturopathic Doctors Licensing Board with seven members (four naturopathic doctors, two physicians with integrative medicine experience, and one public member) to administer licensure, conduct examinations, and enforce regulations.

• Requires applicants to graduate from an accredited naturopathic medicine program, pass a competency-based national examination, demonstrate good moral character, and provide referral relationships with at least four physicians in specified medical specialties.

• Defines the scope of naturopathic practice to include dispensing natural remedies, ordering laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging, performing physical examinations and hydrotherapy, and health counseling, while prohibiting prescription of legend drugs, surgery, use of general anesthetics, and other restricted medical procedures.

• Sets licensing fees including $200 for application/examination, $600 for initial license, $400 for renewal every two years (requiring 40 hours continuing education), and establishes disciplinary authority for the Board to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations and criminal conduct.