SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1650

BYRepresentatives Brekke, Hine, Lux, Nelson and Holland

Permitting naturopaths to continue manual manipulation.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1988

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

AS OF FEBRUARY 10, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Naturopathy is a licensed health care profession with a scope of practice which includes the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disorders by stimulations or support of the natural processes of the human body and includes manual manipulation.  Manual manipulation (mechanotherapy) is defined as manipulation of a part or the whole of the body by hand or by mechanical means.

In 1983, the Legislature placed the 1919 Drugless Healing (naturopathy) Licensure Act under the Sunset Act for review, and in 1987 the Legislature reauthorized the practice of naturopathy.  However, manual manipulation was prohibited after June 30, 1988 subject to a study of whether it should be continued or modified.

SUMMARY:

The termination date of June 30, 1988 for the practice of manual manipulation within the naturopathic scope of practice is repealed.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 22, 1988