This bill seeks to modernize the regulation of naturopathic medicine in Florida by renaming Chapter 462 from "Naturopathy" to "Naturopathic Medicine" and establishing the Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Health. The new framework includes specific licensure requirements for naturopathic doctors, such as holding a bachelor's degree, a naturopathic doctoral degree from an accredited program, and passing examinations. The bill also mandates continuing education, outlines the process for investigating applicants, and introduces penalties for unlicensed practice and misuse of protected titles. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for licensed practitioners to meet educational and training standards to ensure public health and safety.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws to enhance accountability and standards within the profession. It allows the Department of Health to require mental or physical examinations for naturopathic doctors suspected of being unable to practice safely and establishes confidentiality for such proceedings. The terminology throughout the statutes is updated to replace "naturopath" with "naturopathic doctor," and a section regarding "Practicing naturopathy without a license" is deleted from the list of third-degree felonies. The bill also sets a new effective date of December 31, 2026, for changes to the Offense Severity Ranking Chart, ensuring that the legal framework surrounding felony offenses accurately reflects their severity. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the regulatory landscape for naturopathic medicine in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 688 Filed: 462.17, 20.43, 381.0031, 468.301, 476.044, 477.0135, 486.161, 627.351, 893.02, 921.0022