"An Act relating to the practice of naturopathic medicine; and providing for an effective date."

The proposed legislation serves to update 17-year old statutes pertaining to the practice of naturopathic medicine. In so doing, Alaskans accessibility to safe, comprehensive, high-quality health care services will be significantly enhanced.

Key elements of this legislation are as follows:

1. Safeguards Alaskans use of naturopathic medicine by ensuring the highest quality care possible is provided by licensed, well trained, and professionally examined naturopathic physicians. These physicians have undergone rigorous course study provided through federally approved naturopathic medical schools.
2. Adds new continuing education requirements whereby practitioners are subject to a state and national examination process. Furthermore, a peer review process will be implemented to provide oversight and complaint resolution through the Division of Occupational Licensing.
3. Establishes a scope of practice to include the performance of minor surgery in accordance with requisite education and training.
4. Authorizes prescriptive rights for legend drugs and controlled substances allowed under DEA Schedule III, IV and V conditioned upon: DEA licensure; pharmacology training, and; execution of a collaborative agreement with a licensed MD overseeing the protocols and practices under which these drugs can be prescribed.
5. Establishes a qualified trade association of naturopathic physicians to work with the Division of Occupational Licensing towards the implementation of regulations requiring specific state and federal examinations and licensure requirements. The association will be self-funded.

Like allopathic (aka medical) physicians, naturopathic physicians undergo four years of undergraduate pre-professional training followed by an intensive 4 year doctoral program emphasizing both academic and clinical studies within the scope of primary care.

It is important that our state laws reflect the high level education that naturopathic physicians receive while also providing some sideboards with respect to the methods and means by which this type of health care is provided.

The practice of naturopathic medicine was first licensed in Alaska 17 years ago. It is now time to revisit these statutes and apply a fresh coat of paint where needed. The proposed legislation neatly accomplishes this necessary purpose.

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