SB 907, which establishes the basis for licensure of NDs in California, becomes law on Jan. 1, 2004. The first licenses are expected to be issued next Fall. Establishment of a naturopathic medicine bureau within the state’s Dept. of Consumer Affairs, is already underway.

Under SB 907, licensed graduates of one of the accredited 4-year graduate-level naturopathic medical schools in the US and Canada will be permitted to:

• Practice independently as doctors.
• Diagnose, treat, and aid in the prevention of disease.
• Perform physical and laboratory exams, including blood draws.
• Administer treatment via oral, auricular, ocular, intramuscular, intravenous, rectal, and vaginal routes.
• Order laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging studies.
• Dispense, administer, and order all nonprescription products including herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, homeopathics.
• Perform physical medicine modalities, including hydrotherapy, massage, stretching, resistance, and joint play examination, with the exception of small amplitude movement at or beyond the range of normal joint motion; electromagnetic energy, colon hydrotherapy, and therapeutic exercise.
• Prescribe natural and synthetic hormones, epinephrine for anaphylaxis, and certain medical devices (e.g., knee brace, barrier contraception).
• Furnish other prescription drugs in collaboration with an MD or DO under supervision requirements similar to those for nurse practitioners. Supervision would not have to be “on-site” and could be limited to approval of prescription protocols.
• Perform limited minor office procedures such as removal of foreign bodies in superficial tissues and treatment of cuts and abrasions (without suturing).
• Perform natural childbirth under restrictions similar to those of certified nurse midwives.

The bill does not permit NDs to use general or spinal anesthesia, or perform surgery, or abortions. It also prohibits them from practicing acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, or any other practice requiring state licensure, unless the practitioner is dually credentialled. Scope of practice provisions (prescriptive authority, minor office procedures, and natural childbirth) are subject to a 2-year study to evaluate the education, training, and clinical safety and efficacy of NDs. Recommendations regarding future scope of practice in these areas will be made to the Legislature by Jan. 2006.

SB 907 defines the following criteria for licensure:

• Graduation from an approved naturopathic medical program.
• Passage of the NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam) or equivalent exam approved by the bureau, OR passage of a state licensing exam prior to 1986 (pre-NPLEX).
• 60 hours of continuing education biannually.
• Passage of a recertification exam 10 years after initial licensure.