Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SSB 5152
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Regarding naturopathic physicians.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Pflug, Keiser and Kohl-Welles).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/10/11
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Naturopathic medicine is the art and science of the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders of the body through the natural processes of the body. Naturopathic medicine includes:
manipulation (mechanotherapy);
the prescription, dispensing, and use of nutrition and food science;
physical modalities; i.e., the use of physical, chemical, electrical, and other noninvasivemodalities such as heat, cold air, light, water in any of its forms, sound, massage, and therapeutic exercise;
minor office procedures;
homeopathy;
naturopathic medicines;
hygiene and immunization;
nondrug contraceptive devices;
common diagnostic procedures; and
suggestion.
Summary of Bill:
Naturopaths are no longer limited to noninvasive physical modalities and nondrug contraceptive devices. Instead, naturopaths are authorized to use:
physical modalities that do not exceed the physical modalities used on the effective date of the act in minor office procedures or common diagnostic procedures; and
contraceptive devices.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available for House Bill 1228.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.