SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6523

BYSenators Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Williams and Bauer

Permitting naturopaths to continue manual manipulation.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Smith.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 5, 1988

House Committe on Health Care

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 15, 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 (mechanotherapy) 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termination date of June 30, 1988 for the practice of manual manipulation within the naturopathic scope of practice is repealed.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 27, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Kiskaddon, prime sponsor (for)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Naturopaths may not use the term "chiropractic" to describe any service they perform as a part of their practice.  The State Health Coordinating Council shall study and make recommendations on the practice of manual manipulation by naturopaths including a comparison of educational standards with other health professions.  A report shall be presented to the Legislature by January 1, 1989.