The bill seeks to redesignate Chapter 462 of the Florida Statutes from "Naturopathy" to "Naturopathic Medicine," establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the practice in Florida. It creates a new section, 462.001, which outlines legislative findings aimed at protecting public health and ensuring the availability of qualified naturopathic physicians. The bill establishes the Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Health, detailing its composition, responsibilities, and the requirement for board members to complete a disciplinary training program. It also introduces new sections defining terms related to naturopathic medicine, outlines licensure requirements, and sets rules for practice, including prohibitions against unlicensed practice and misrepresentation.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to enhance accountability and patient safety, introducing stricter guidelines for disciplinary actions against naturopathic physicians. It mandates continuing education for license renewal, specifies financial responsibility requirements, and outlines conditions for license reactivation. The bill also includes provisions for handling patient records, establishes penalties for various offenses, and updates definitions to formally recognize naturopathic medicine within Florida's healthcare system. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that practitioners meet established standards for public safety and professional conduct while providing clear guidelines for the practice of naturopathic medicine.

Statutes affected:
S 470 Filed: 462.16, 20.43, 381.0031, 468.301, 476.044, 477.0135, 486.161, 627.351, 893.02, 921.0022