This bill amends section 43-58-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, which outlines the eligibility requirements for naturopathic doctors to obtain an endorsement for independent prescribing authority. The bill specifies that a naturopath must first apply for a limited endorsement by entering into a written collaborative agreement with a supervising physician who has been actively prescribing for at least five years. The supervising physician will review the naturopath's first one hundred prescriptions or twelve months of prescribing, whichever comes first, to ensure compliance with safety and legal standards.

Significant changes include the removal of the previous requirement for the naturopath to complete a pharmacology elective examination before receiving the endorsement. Instead, the board will now issue the endorsement upon verification of the collaborative agreement and satisfactory proof of one of three options: completion of the pharmacology examination, completion of a residency program, or substantial experience in prescribing medications in another jurisdiction. Additionally, the bill allows the board to waive certain requirements if the naturopath demonstrates substantial experience in prescribing under comparable standards in another jurisdiction. To maintain the endorsement, naturopaths must also complete five hours of continuing education annually focused on pharmacology.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 43-58-08.1
INTRODUCED: 43-58-08.1