Page last updated 19 Dec 2019
Action alert
The state association website states it is “spearheading” licensing legislation for the up-coming session but makes no mention of an active bill. The state organizers inaccurately refer to licensed naturopaths as having completed medical educations:
Naturopathic Physicians have attended 4 year accredited medical school, passed national medical exams (NPLEX), and completed medical residencies.
This is wildly misleading.
Naturopaths attend accredited naturopathic schools, not medical schools. Naturopaths are not required to complete residencies to practice, except for in the state of Utah. In states that allow licensure, naturopaths must pass a naturopathic licensing exam called the NPLEX. This exam tests benchmarks that are set by the Committee on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). The NPLEX is not a board certification exam, which tests a licensed physician’s knowledge in a specialty field following a multi-year long residency position. Due to major deficiencies in their training, graduates of naturopathic schools accredited by the CNME are not eligible for these medical residency positions completed by physicians.
Media Coverage
Will naturopathic quackery be licensed in Michigan? Respectful Insolence. 2013. Orac.
Scope of practice
Naturopaths are not licensed or registered in Michigan.
History
In 2015, Representative Lyons re-introduced House Bill 4531 to license naturopaths. The bill died in chamber.
How to file a complaint
Physicians in the state are regulated by the Michigan Board of Medicine. Anyone may file a complaint against a naturopath practicing medicine without a license.
The MD profession box should be checked to file a complaint against a naturopath practicing medicine in Michigan. Send completed forms to
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory AffairsBureau of Professional Licensing Investigations & Inspections DivisionP.O. Box 30670Lansing, MI 48909-8170