Bill Summaries: S573 ENACT NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS LICENSURE ACT.

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  • Summary date: Apr 5 2019 - View Summary

    Adds new Article 43, North Carolina Naturopathic Doctors Licensure Act, to GS Chapter 90. Prohibits a person from practicing as a naturopathic physician without a state license 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 and may not be used by naturopathic physicians. Makes violations a Class 1 misdemeanor. Establishes the NC Naturopathic Doctors Licensing 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, 2020. Prohibits members from serving more than two consecutive terms. Charges Board with administration of the licensing program. Sets out qualifications for licensure as a naturopathic physician, fees that may be charged by the Board, and the Board's disciplinary authority. Permits criminal record checks for licensees and persons seeking licenses. Creates a six-member Naturopathic Doctors Formulary Council to recommend to the Board, on an ongoing basis, a formulary for naturopathic doctors to use in practice.

    Amends GS 90-18 by adding that the practice of naturopathic medicine by a licensed naturopathic doctor does not constitute the practice of medicine or surgery under GS Chapter 90, Article 1, Practice of Medicine.

    Enacts new GS 143B-972 requiring the Department of Justice to provide the Board with the criminal history of license applicants; sets out the related process, confidentiality provisions, and allowable fees.

    Applies to licenses granted on or after January 1, 2020.