The bill amends section 43-58-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to update the eligibility requirements for naturopaths seeking endorsement to prescribe medications independently. It establishes that a naturopath must first apply for a limited endorsement by entering into a written collaborative agreement with a supervising physician, who must have at least five years of experience in prescribing medications without limitations. The supervising physician will review the naturopath's first one hundred prescriptions or twelve months of prescribing, whichever comes first. The bill also specifies that the written agreement must be submitted to the board along with the endorsement application.

Significantly, the bill modifies the process for obtaining an endorsement to prescribe independently. It removes the previous requirement for the naturopath to complete a pharmacology elective examination before receiving the endorsement. Instead, the board will issue the endorsement upon verification that the naturopath has met the collaborative agreement requirements and has provided 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 medications under comparable standards in another jurisdiction. To maintain the endorsement, naturopaths must also complete five hours of continuing education annually on pharmacology.

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