SPONSOR: Richey
This bill creates the "Naturopathic Physicians Practice Act" and defines the terms, scope, and requirements for the practice of naturopathic medicine.
The bill creates a "Board of Naturopathic Medicine" consisting of five members appointed by the Governor. The Board must include the following:
(1) Three naturopathic physicians;
(2) One physician; and
(3) One registered voter who has lived in the state for one year.
The Board is created within the Division of Professional Registration, within the Department of Commerce and Insurance, to regulate the licensure and discipline of naturopathic physicians.
This bill creates the "Board of Naturopathic Medicine Fund". Moneys in the fund consist of fees authorized to be charged by the Board. The fund will be used for the payment of expenses of maintaining the Board and for enforcing provisions concerning the practice of naturopathic medicine.
A licensee may practice naturopathic medicine to provide primary care in alignment with naturopathic medical education, as specified in the bill and includes:
(1) Performing physical examinations, clinical laboratory procedures, and ordering laboratory examinations;
(2) Ordering diagnostic imaging studies;
(3) Prescribing, administering, dispensing, and ordering food, extracts of food, nutraceuticals, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, enzymes, botanicals and their extracts, botanical medicines, homeopathic medicines, human cellular and tissue-based products that are not regulated as drugs, and all dietary supplements and nonprescription drugs as defined by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
(4) Prescribing, administering, dispensing, and ordering specified drugs within Schedules III, IV, and V of Section 195.017, RSMo, and durable medical equipment and devices; (7) Providing biofeedback and neurofeedback therapies; and
(8) Providing health care counseling, nutritional counseling, and dietary therapy.
A naturopathic physician must record each prescription order in writing, have experience managing a medical regimen, and register with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in order to prescribe controlled substances.
The qualifications, fees, examinations, and renewal procedures for obtaining and maintaining a license to practice naturopathic medicine, as well as the prohibited acts and grounds for disciplinary action are outlined in the bill.
Statutes affected: