Senate Bill 573 Summary

• Establishes licensure requirements for naturopathic doctors in North Carolina, including graduation from an approved naturopathic medicine program and passage of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX).

• Creates a seven-member North Carolina Naturopathic Doctors Licensure Board appointed by the General Assembly and Governor to administer licensing, set fees, and enforce disciplinary action.

• Defines the scope of naturopathic medicine practice to include natural remedies, dietary therapy, physical medicine, laboratory testing, and diagnostic imaging, while prohibiting prescription drugs, surgery, anesthetics, and cancer diagnosis/treatment.

• Requires licensed naturopathic doctors to maintain a collaboration and consultation agreement with a physician licensed under North Carolina law, though the agreement cannot involve physician supervision.

• Becomes effective January 1, 2020, and establishes maximum licensing fees including $200 for application/examination, $300 for initial license, and $350 for annual renewal.