House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes the creation of the Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine, which will oversee the regulation of naturopathic medicine in the state. The bill enacts R.S. 36:259(A)(25) to transfer the Louisiana Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board to the Louisiana Department of Health and introduces Chapter 62 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. This chapter outlines the board's structure, which will consist of five members—four licensed naturopathic doctors and one consumer member appointed by the governor. The board will have the authority to issue, revoke, or suspend licenses, establish educational and continuing education requirements, and set ethical standards for practice.

The legislation also details the qualifications for licensure, requiring applicants to graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical program and pass a national competency examination. It specifies the scope of practice for licensed naturopathic doctors, including the ability to perform physical examinations, order laboratory tests, and provide therapeutic treatments, while prohibiting the prescription of certain controlled substances. Additionally, the bill mandates that unlicensed individuals using naturopath-related titles must clearly disclose their education and credentials, and it establishes protected titles for licensed practitioners. Overall, the bill aims to create a regulatory framework that ensures public safety and professional accountability in the practice of naturopathic medicine in Louisiana.