Title: An act relating to naturopathic physicians.

Brief Description: Regulating naturopathic physicians.

Sponsors: Representatives Clibborn, Bailey, Cody, Skinner, Chase, Campbell, McIntire and Dickerson.

Brief History:

Health Care: 2/10/05, 2/15/05 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Campbell, Vice Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Bailey, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Appleton, Clibborn, Green, Hinkle, Lantz, Moeller, Schual-Berke and Skinner.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Curtis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; and Condotta.

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Naturopathy is the practice of the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders of the body by stimulation and support of the human body's natural processes. The practice includes manual manipulation; the use of nutrition and food science; physical modalities; homeopathy; hygiene and immunization; and the administration, prescription, and use of medicines of mineral, animal, and botanical origin.

Naturopaths may use medicines that are derived from animal organs, tissues, and oils; minerals; and plants. They may also use legend vitamins, minerals, whole gland thyroid, and other traditional herbal and botanical pharmacopeia. The Washington Administrative Code interprets this to include legend topical ointments, creams, and lotions containing antiseptics as well as legend topical, local anesthetics. Naturopaths may also use intermuscular injections of vitamin B12 preparations.

Summary of Bill:

The term "medicines of mineral, animal, and botanical origin" is replaced with the term "naturopathic medicines." The medicines that naturopaths may use include vitamins, minerals, botanical medicines, homeopathic medicines, hormones, and legend drugs and controlled substances that are consistent with naturopathic medical practice and established by the Secretary of Health (Secretary) in rule. The current prohibition on controlled substances is revised to permit the use of codeine and testosterone in Schedules III, IV, and V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The Secretary, in consultation with the Naturopathic Advisory Committee and the Board of Pharmacy, will establish requirements for the use of controlled substances, including educational and training standards.

The definition of "minor office procedures" is modified to include care and procedures for lesions as well as injections of substances consistent with the practice of naturopathic medicine and rules established by the Secretary. The definition of "common diagnostic procedures" eliminates references to superficial scrapings and prohibitions on surgical procedures and restates the prohibition as applying to incision or excision beyond a minor office procedure.

Naturopathic education programs are required to be accredited.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This bill will allow naturopaths to practice consistent with their training. Naturopaths will be able to provide better primary care and save money by eliminating referrals for minor prescriptions.

Testimony Against: Naturopaths do not have the training and education to perform these additional functions.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Clibborn, prime sponsor; Terry Kohl, Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians; Kasra Pournadeali, President of Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians; Gannaly Raskin, Dean of Bastir University; and Janile Martin, ND, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner.

(Opposed) Carl Nelson, Washington State Medical Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.