SB 5581-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Authorizes a naturopathic physician to employ persons to assist in the preparation and monitoring of equipment and procedures involved in colonic therapy.  The secretary shall adopt rules establishing protocols for the delegation and supervision of colonic therapy, including the qualifications of unlicensed persons performing colonic therapy.

     Provides that, from his or her office, a naturopathic physician may compound, dispense, or sell naturopathic medicines not commonly available by prescription to meet the needs of individual patients on a case-by-case basis, excluding controlled substances or legend drugs.  Injectable medications shall not be compounded unless provided for by the secretary in rule under the authority granted in RCW 18.36A.020(10).

     Declares that a naturopathic physician, licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW, is exempt from chapter 19.68 RCW when dispensing or selling naturopathic medicines or products from his or her own office in accordance with the limitations and exclusions in this act.

     Requires the department of health to conduct an analysis of the appropriateness of naturopathic physicians using naturopathic techniques including, but not limited to, auricular, hand therapy, and other practices that may overlap with the acupuncture scope of practice.  The secretary of health shall appoint a work group of affected parties which shall identify areas that should require an endorsement to the naturopathic license and what the requirements for such an endorsement should be.  The secretary shall report to the legislature on any needed legislative changes.  In addition, this report shall include an evaluation of the following:

     (1) Establishing an endorsement process to allow naturopaths to perform specific acupuncture-related practices if they can demonstrate competency;

     (2) Increasing the naturopathic scope of practice to include these acupuncture-related practices consistent with naturopathic medicine; and

     (3) The appropriate level of education, training, and experience needed to support any increase in the scope of practice and any endorsement.

     Requires the report and proposed legislation to be provided to the appropriate committees of the legislature by January 14, 2002.

     Requires the naturopathic advisory committee in consultation with the Washington state board of pharmacy to develop parameters, including education and training requirements, for the use of controlled substances authorized in this act.  The parameters must be met by the naturopathic physician prior to being authorized to prescribe controlled substances under this act.