Naturopathic Medicine in Alabama

Page last reviewed 19 Dec 2019

Action alert

None


Scope of practice

It may be illegal for any person to practice naturopathy in the state of Alabama without a license to practice medicine or osteopathy issued by the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama. A letter from Patricia E. Shaner, General Counsel for the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, specifies that based on the ruling in Williams v. State and Alabama Code §§ 34-24-50 and 34-24-51,

the practice of naturopathic medicine in Alabama by someone who holds only a degree from a school of naturopathic medicine is the practice of medicine without a license.


History

1984 court case Williams v. State ex rel. med. licensure, 453 So.2d 1051 (Ala.Civ.App. 1984)

The court ruled that naturopathy is not a distinct medical discipline whose practitioners are entitled to separate licensing requirements different from those of physicians. This ruling made the practice of naturopathy without a medical license illegal in Alabama.


How to file a complaint

The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners regulates physicians and physician assistants. They will investigate claims pertaining to the practice of medicine without a license.

Anyone can file a complaint. You may do so by downloading this form and mailing it to

Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners
848 Washington Avenue (36104)
P.O. Box 946, Montgomery, AL 36101-0946
There is currently no online complaint process. Any naturopath advertising medical services or using the titles doctor or physician is likely violating Alabama state law.
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