ANALYSIS OF HOUSE BILL 2575

              Regulating naturopathic physicians.

Health Care Committee                          February 2, 2000

Washington State House of Representatives

SPONSORS:  Representatives Ruderman and Campbell.

BRIEF SUMMARY

!Naturopaths and naturopathy may be referred to as naturopathic physicians and naturopathic medicine respectively.

!The scope of practice is augmented to include the use of controlled substances listed in Schedules III-V, injections, and minor surgical care appropriate to naturopathic practice.

!The Department of Heath must conduct an analysis of the appropriateness of using acupuncture-related techniques, and report to the legislature by January 8, 2001.

BACKGROUND:  The practice of naturopathy is regulated by the Department of Health, and persons must be licensed in order to practice and represent themselves as naturopaths or doctors of naturopathic medicine.

Naturopathy is the diagnosis and treatment of bodily disorders through the stimulation and support of the natural processes of the body.  It includes manual manipulation, and the prescription and administration of nutrition and food science and certain medicines of mineral, animal, and botanical origin.  It also includes intermuscular injections limited to vitamin B-12 preparations, and minor office procedures incident to superficial lacerations, the use of antiseptics and local anesthetics, and venipuncture to withdraw blood.

Naturopathy does not include the use of controlled substances, or and legend drugs except for those listed in the traditional botanical and herbal pharmacopeia.  It also does not include surgical incision.

SUMMARY:  Practitioners of naturopathy may refer to themselves as naturopathic physicians, and naturopathy may also be known as naturopathic medicine.  But naturopathic physicians may not employ the term acupuncture.

Naturopathic medicines include controlled substances listed in Schedules III, IV, and V consistent with naturopathic practice and in accordance with rules adopted by the Secretary of Health.  A naturopathic physician may compound, dispense, or sell naturopathic medicines not commonly available by prescription, excluding controlled substances and legend drugs, and such activity is exempt from regulation under this chapter.

Naturopathic medicine includes the administration of intermuscular, intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections of substances appropriate to naturopathic medicine, and other substances determined by the secretary.

Naturopathic medicine also includes minor surgical care and procedures, including lesions, trigger point therapy, dermal stimulation, and allergy testing and treatment, as well as venipuncture consistent with naturopathic medical practice.  It excludes surgical excisions beyond minor office procedures.

Naturopathic physicians may employ persons to assist in the preparation of procedures involving colonic therapy in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary.

The department must conduct an analysis of the appropriateness of using techniques such as auricular, hand therapy, and other acupuncture practices requiring an endorsement, including appropriate educational requirements.  The report shall be made to the Legislature by January 8, 2001.

This act takes effect on July 1, 2001, except for the departmental analysis which takes effect 90 days after adjournment.