Naturopathy is “licensed” in a handful of states. That does not mean it is illegal in unlicensed states, simply that licenses are not issued in those jurisdictions. Why is this important? In previous posts about Naturopathy I mentioned that the Naturopathic profession is divided into two groups, Naturopathic Physicians and Naturopaths (also known as Traditional Naturopaths). They are both use the designation ND, which stands for Naturopathic Doctor or Doctor of Naturopathy. Naturopathic Physicians have sought to implement laws in different states that are prejudicial towards Traditional Naturopaths. NPs want to stop those that have not attended a sanctioned medical naturopathic school from having a license, or practicing natural healing. A state usually licenses a profession when it is deemed necessary to “protect the public,” and there is a call to regulate the minimum requirements of practice. The people who most often are asking for licensing of a profession are unfortunately groups who are trying to restrict its practice for economic or philosophical reasons. In other words, they are trying to quash the competition, and keep the marketplace to themselves.

According to various web sites there are 15-18 states that have Naturopathic licensure. “Regulation” might be a more appropriate since all these states do have some law about Naturopathic practice but the laws are not uniform. A number of states allow Naturopathic Physicians to prescribe drugs, do minor surgery, and order labs. Most Traditional Naturopaths believe this is not real Naturopathy. I agree. However, if those NDs who have the training to perform those regular medical practices wish to do so, I have no quarrel with them. It is the attempt to restrict the use of the term “Naturopath” to one class of practitioners, the NPs, and back it up by legal enforcement, that is deplorable.

This 2001 study by the USCF Center for Health Professions seems to be an unibaised report on Naturopathy and its practice. Since then California has passed what I think of as a fair law. It licenses Naturopathic Physicians but does not prohibit the practice of natural healing by Naturopaths, Naturopathic Practitioners, or Traditional Naturopaths. The California statue acknowledges there is more than one kind of Naturopath and that there are other groups of people who perfrom natural healing. This type of tiering is a practical solution for a number of alternative healing professions.

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