Idaho regulates naturopathic doctors

By Katherine Shagoury

Governor Brad Little (R-ID) signed legislation last evening allowing naturopathic doctors (NDs) in the state of Idaho to obtain licensure.

The House Bill 244 creates a licensing path for NDs in the state, in addition to defining scope of practice and creating a naturopathic medical board. Under the new bill, NDs will be issued licenses if they pass exams from accredited naturopathic medical schools. They will also have more patient care capabilities, including ordering lab tests and managing prescriptions, according to the bill, which will go in to effect July 1, 2020.

The Senate voted 32-2 on Tuesday to approve the bill, which was previously passed in the House. Governor Little signed the bill last night in the company of leaders from the Idaho Chapter of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, (IDAANP) the primary supporter of the bill.

The naturopathic licensing board model will closely follow regulations for athletic trainers, dietitians, and respiratory therapists, according to representatives from the IDAANP. Further, passing the bill may open opportunities for insurance companies to cover naturopathic services, if the demand is there.

Idaho is the 21st state and 24th U.S. jurisdiction to regulate NDs, according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Click here to read the full bill text.