Page last updated 12 February 2017.
Action alert
None.
Media Coverage
Fact-checking naturopathic talking points at DC FLI. Naturopathic Diaries. 2016. Britt Hermes.
Scope of practice
Must disclose in writing to patients that naturopathic practitioners are not licensed to practice medicine.
Title: May use the titles “doctor,” “physician,” and “doctor of naturopathic medicine”
Prescription drugs: The law specifies that the prescription of controlled substances are prohibited but makes no mention of whether legend drugs may be prescribed. The DC formulary lists a small number of antimicrobial drugs and hormones.
- DC naturopathic formulary (updated 2012)
Controlled substances: Not permitted
IV administration: The law specifies that naturopaths may use “natural medicines by their appropriate route of administration” but does not specifically define whether IV administration is permitted. IV route of administration is not defined in the formulary (above).
Diagnostic tests: Permitted
Minor office procedures: Permitted
Spinal manipulations: Permitted
Childbirth/ midwifery: Permitted after passing a special examination in obstetrics or natural childbirth that has been approved by the Advisory Committee on Naturopathic Medicine, the Board of Medicine, or the Mayor
Vaccine waiver: Not defined
Naturopathic assistants: Not defined
DC Municipal Regulations for Naturopathic Medicine (2012)
Continuing education requirements
Naturopaths are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education biennially.
History
In 2004, Washington D.C. passed the Naturopathic Medicine Licensing Amendment Act. Prior to this act, the district registered naturopaths.
How to file a complaint
Naturopaths in the district are regulated by the DC Board of Medicine. Anyone can file a complaint. The DC Department of Health website provides additional information about the complaint process.
Send complete form to
DC Board of Medicine
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Second Floor
Washington, DC 20002
To file a complaint about the unlicensed practice of medicine, send complaint to
Supervisory Investigator
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Second Floor
Washington, DC 20002