Page last updated 19 Dec 2019
Action alert
None.
Senate Bill 1514 and House Bill 1138 attempted to change naturopathic registration into licensing. The bill would have also allowed licensed naturopaths use the title “physician,” prescribe legend drugs, perform minor office procedures, and complete physical examinations including gynecological exams.
HB 1138 authored by Representatives Mary Franson, Peggy Flanagan, and Nick Zerwas.
SB 1514 authored by Senators Melissa Wiklund, Jim Abeler, and Chris Eaton.
Information courtesy of Society for Science-Based Medicine.
Want to get involved?
Contact your CA Senate and Assembly representatives and voice your opposition to legitimizing the practice of naturopathy.
Not sure what to say? Check out these tips for speaking with lawmakers from the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Sign the petition Naturopaths are not doctors: stop legitimizing pseudoscience
Media Coverage
“Doctors” of Naturopathy in Minnesota? Or: Barbarians at the gate. 2008. Respectful Insolence. Orac.
Scope of practice
Naturopaths are registered in Minnesota.
Title: Can use the title “doctor”
- Prohibited from using title “physician”
Prescription drugs: Not permitted to prescribe legend substances.
Controlled substances: Not permitted to prescribe controlled substances.
IV administration: Not permitted
Diagnostic tests: May order and interpret diagnostic labs.
Minor office procedures: Permitted.
Spinal manipulations: Permitted.
Childbirth/ midwifery: Not defined. Prohibited from inducing or performing abortions.
Vaccine waiver: Not defined.
Naturopathic assistants: Not defined.
Naturopathic Work Group report to the MN legislature 2009
2019 Minnesota statutes for naturopathy
Continuing education requirements
Naturopaths are required to completed 25 hours of continuing education annually, with five hours in pharmacotherapeutics.
History
Naturopaths have been licensed in Minnesota since 2008.
How to file a complaint
Naturopaths are regulated by the Registered Naturopathic Doctor Advisory Council which is overseen by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Anyone can file a complaint.
Mail completed forms to
Minnesota Board of Medical Practice2829 University Ave SE, Suite 500Minneapolis, MN 55414-3246