ENACT NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS CERTIFICATION ACT.

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View NCGA Bill Details2017-2018 Session
Senate Bill 258 (Public) Filed Tuesday, March 14, 2017
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH CERTIFICATION AND EDUCATION STANDARDS FOR THE PRACTICE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE.
Intro. by Krawiec, Tillman, Tucker.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate Action) (Mar 15 2017)

Bill History:

S 258

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Mar 14 2017 - View Summary

    Adds new Article 43, North Carolina Naturopathic Doctors Certification Act, to GS Chapter 90. Prohibits a person from practicing naturopathic medicine without a state certification issued pursuant to the bill, with specified exemptions. Defines naturopathic medicine  generally as a system of natural health care that employs diagnosis and treatment using natural therapies and diagnostic techniques. Sets out the techniques that may be used by naturopathic physicians, and prohibits practice outside of the authorized techniques unless otherwise licensed or certified. Makes violation of proposed GS 90­734 a Class 1 misdemeanor. Establishes the NC Naturopathic Physicians Certification Board (Board), with seven members (three appointed by the Governor and two each upon recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tem. of the Senate, with each member having to come from specified groups) to be appointed by January 1, 2018. Prohibits members from serving more than two consecutive terms. Charges Board with administration of the certification program. Sets out qualifications for certification as a naturopathic physician, fees that may be charged by the Board, and the Board's disciplinary authority. Permits criminal record checks for certified naturopathic doctors and persons seeking certification. Creates a six­member Advisory Council to assist the Board in administration of the certification program, with member terms beginning July 1, 2018. Makes conforming changes.

    Provides that if H 142, 2017 Regular Session (Increase Oversight of Occupational Licensing Boards), becomes law, then GS 93B­1(b), as amended by that Act, will add the Board to the list of occupational licensing boards described in that statute.