The proposed Naturopathic Physician Practice Act establishes a regulatory framework for naturopathic medicine in Arkansas, overseen by the Arkansas State Medical Board. The bill introduces a new subchapter to the Arkansas Code that outlines the qualifications for licensure, including graduation from an approved naturopathic medical school, passing a national licensing examination, and maintaining professional liability insurance. It also creates a Naturopathic Physician Advisory Committee to provide guidance on licensure and training matters. Licensed naturopathic physicians will be permitted to perform specific practices such as physical examinations, ordering laboratory tests, and prescribing certain substances, while being prohibited from performing surgeries beyond minor office procedures and using general anesthetics.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that only licensed individuals may use titles like "naturopathic physician" or "naturopathic doctor," with violations classified as a Class A misdemeanor. It sets a deadline for the Arkansas State Medical Board to issue licenses to qualified applicants by December 1, 2025, and outlines the committee's responsibilities in developing regulations for licensure, continuing education, record-keeping, and disciplinary actions. The committee will include licensed naturopathic physicians and a public member, ensuring a balanced approach to the oversight and regulation of the profession, ultimately aiming to enhance public health and safety in the practice of naturopathic medicine in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB117 V4 - 3-11-2025 03:08 PM: 17-102-102(1), 17-102-102(3), 17-102-103(a), 17-102-104(c), 17-102-106, 17-102-303(c), 17-102-304(a), 17-102-305(b), 17-102-307(1), 17-102-308(a), 17-102-309(a), 03-11-2025, 25-16-903(1), 25-43-802(a)
Old version SB117 V5 - 3-31-2025 02:18 PM: 17-102-102(1), 17-102-102(3), 17-102-103(a), 17-102-104(c), 17-102-106, 17-102-303(c), 17-102-304(a), 17-102-305(b), 17-102-307(1), 17-102-308(a), 17-102-309(a), 03-31-2025, 25-16-903(1), 25-43-802(a)
Old version SB117 V6 - 4-8-2025 10:16 AM: 17-102-102(1), 17-102-102(3), 17-102-103(a), 17-102-104(c), 04-08-2025, 17-102-106, 17-102-303(c), 17-102-304(a), 17-102-305(b), 17-102-307(1), 17-102-308(a), 17-102-309(a), 25-16-903(1), 25-43-802(a)