SB 5581 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Requires the department of health to conduct an analysis of the appropriateness of naturopathic physicians using naturopathic techniques including, but not limited to, auricular, hand therapy, and other practices that may overlap with the acupuncture scope of practice.  The secretary of health shall appoint a work group of affected parties which shall identify areas that should require an endorsement to the naturopathic license and what the requirements for such an endorsement should be.  The secretary shall report to the legislature on any needed legislative changes.  In addition, this report shall include an evaluation of the following:

     (1) Establishing an endorsement process to allow naturopaths to perform specific acupuncture-related practices if they can demonstrate competency;

     (2) Increasing the naturopathic scope of practice to include these acupuncture-related practices consistent with naturopathic medicine; and

     (3) The appropriate level of education, training, and experience needed to support any increase in the scope of practice and any endorsement.

     Requires the report and proposed legislation to be provided to the appropriate committees of the legislature by January 14, 2002.