FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1181

C 41 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating the Washington state board of naturopathy.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Hinkle, Santos and Dickerson.

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

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;

• minor office procedures;

• homeopathy;

• naturopathic medicines;

• hygiene and immunization;

• contraceptive devices;

• common diagnostic procedures; and

• suggestion.

Naturopaths are licensed by the Department of Health (DOH), which is responsible for:

• adopting rules;

• setting minimum education and experience requirements;

• preparing and administering licensing examinations;

• determining alternative training requirements;

• implementing a continuing competency program;

• setting license and examination fees;

• issuing licenses;

• maintaining records of applicants and licensees;

• conducting hearings if a denial of a license is appealed; and

• disciplining licensed naturopaths for unprofessional conduct.

When carrying out its functions, the DOH is advised by the Naturopathic Advisory Committee, which consists of five members appointed by the Secretary of Health.

Summary:

The Board of Naturopathy (Board) is created (replacing the Naturopathic Advisory Committee). The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor for four-year terms. Five members of the Board must be licensed naturopaths and two members must be members of the public.

The Board is responsible for:

• adopting rules;

• setting minimum education and experience requirements;

• preparing and administering licensing examinations;

• determining alternative training requirements;

• implementing a continuing competency program; and

• disciplining licensed naturopaths for unprofessional conduct.

The DOH maintains the responsibility for:

• setting license and examination fees;

• issuing licenses;

• maintaining records of applicants and licensees; and

• conducting hearings if a denial of a license is appealed.

Votes on Final Passage: