Naturopathic Doctor, Research Paper Example

Naturopathic physicians utilize nature in combination with modern science. Naturopathic medicine is based on traditional healing alternatives, and practices through the use of holistic approaches to preventative care, diagnosis and treatment. The role of the naturopathic physician is to identity and remove any factors associated with preventing good health and creating an environment that heals the individually internally and externally. Naturopathic physicians work in different types of places, such as hospital, clinics, and health centers and are found throughout the United States. Within the United States, there are 17 states that have regulating laws and licensing, to include the State of Colorado.  The physicians in these states, therefore, must undergo state-mandated requirements every year specific to their state laws. (AANP, 2014)  The following paper focuses on the State of Colorado regulations for naturopathic doctors.

On June 5, 2013, the Governor of Colorado signed a measure concerning the regulations for naturopathic doctors.  The measure allowed naturopathic doctors to register as a legal health care provider. The law allows naturopathic doctors as legal health care providers given that they have graduated from a 4-year post graduate program through an accredited school for naturopathic medicine.  In addition, the measure indicates that the doctors must pass the national science and clinical board exam. This recognizes the naturopathic doctors as an educated doctor trained in both conventional medicine and healing as well, compared to naturopathic practitioners who do not possess a degree from an accredited school.  (Bastyr University, 2013)

Although, the State of Colorado has recognized Naturopathic Doctors, the measures enacted in 2013 do have specific conditions associated with the practice of medicine.  For instance, the practice of Naturopathic Medicine by a Naturopathic Doctor in the State of Colorado includes the following: the prevention and treatment of human disease and injury through education and/or dietary or nutritional recommendations, the promotion of healthy way of life through  physical examination and diagnostic testing via licensed or certified health care centers, and the ability to dispense, administer, order or prescribe medicines which are listed in the naturopathic formulary.  There are also measures that directly prohibit procedures for Naturopathic Doctors as well.  The regulations prohibit the Naturopathic Doctor from prescribing, dispensing, administering, or injecting controlled types of substances or devices that are identified in the Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. SEC. 801 SEQ.  In addition, Naturopathic Doctors are prohibited from performing surgical procedures using laser devices, using general or spinal anesthetics, administering ionizing radioactive substances, and treating a child less than two years old, or treating a child who is two years of age or older and less than eight years of age without parent or legal guardian recent immunizations schedule.

In addition to the measures above, Naturopathic Doctors in Colorado must abide by specific regulations for registration and continuing education.  As of June 1, 2014, Naturopathic Doctors in the State of Colorado cannot practice without a registration.  The doctor must also be at least 21 years old and of good moral standing.  Furthermore, the doctor must have a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college,as well as a post graduate degree from an approved naturopathic medical school, and the passing of a director-approved comprehensive naturopathic licensing exam.

There are other specific conditions that apply and can be found in the House Bill; however, overall, Naturopathic Medicine has become a recognized practice in the State of Colorado, as well as many other states within the United States, British Columbia, Canada and others.  Understanding the regulations for Naturopathic Doctors can help facilitate a student in training complete the requirements necessary to become a practitioner in these recognized states.

References

AANP.  (2014).  What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?  Retrieved from: http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=60

Bastyr University. (2013). Colorado Passes Law Recognizing Naturopathic

Doctors. Retrieved from: http://www.bastyr.edu/news/general-news-home-page/2013/06/colorado-passes-law-recognizing-naturopathic-doctors

State of Colorado. (2013). House Bill 13-1111. Retrieved from: http://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2013A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/CDCEE234E81BA08287257AEE0058374A?Open&file=1111_enr.pdf