HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1181

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to creating the Washington state board of naturopathy.

Brief Description: Creating the Washington state board of naturopathy.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Hinkle, Santos and Dickerson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/26/11, 2/3/11 [DP].

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Kelley, Moeller and Van De Wege.

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;

• minor office procedures;

• homeopathy;

• naturopathic medicines;

• hygiene and immunization;

• non-drug 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.

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Summary of Bill:

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.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Naturopaths are primary care providers and are the only licensed profession without its own board. Naturopaths have a similar scope to Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners and focus on prevention. This bill will increase public safety, public oversight, and the expertise of the entity regulating Naturopaths. The bill will also increase efficiency and effectiveness. This bill will allow Naturopaths to control and regulate themselves. The costs of the bill will be paid through fees.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Green, prime sponsor; and Dr. Doug Lewis and Terry Kohl, Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.