HB 416 --  Naturopathic Medicine

Co-Sponsors:  Kissell, O'Connor

This bill provides for the registration and licensure of doctors
of naturopathic medicine.  The Board of Healing Arts will adopt
rules for the regulation of this medical profession.

These rules will include:  establishing and depositing fees,
conducting licensing exams, prescribing continuing education,
initiating naturopathic specialties, determining qualifications
of doctors, and screening doctors for competency.

The bill also contains provisions regarding the examination
which must be taken before receiving a license.  The examination
will cover basic medical science, clinical medical subjects, and
clinical competency.  The board is also allowed to accept exams
conducted by a national board of examiners, if the exams include
the subjects previously mentioned.  The board will also
establish reciprocation with states that have an educational
program with equivalent standards.

The bill contains provisions regarding clinical training for
naturopathic medical students.  Those wishing to receive
clinical training must make application with the board.  They
must train under the direct supervision of a licensed
physician.  The board will prescribe procedures that students
may perform under the supervision of a physician.  After making
application with the board, graduates of approved schools of
naturopathic medicine may engage in internship programs.
Interns will work under the direct supervision of a licensed
physician.

Licensed naturopathic physicians will be allowed to dispense
substances and devices as long as they follow certain criteria
established by the bill.

Violation of any provisions of this bill is a class A
misdemeanor.