CT Governor signed law changing the scope of practice for Naturopathic Physicians.
TOGETHER, WE MADE PROGRESS!
Today in Connecticut public act 14-231 (HB 5537) was signed into law. This change in the Naturopathic Legislation is the first of many different scope expansions planned for the state and the country. This law modernizing the scope of practice that a Naturopathic Physician can provide patients better assess to care in CT. Please read the Law below “Substitute House Bill No. 5537
(a) The practice of natureopathy means the science, art and practice of healing by natural methods as recognized by the Council of Natureopathic Medical Education and that comprises diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease and health optimization by stimulation and support of the body’s natural healing processes, as approved by the State Board of Natureopathic Examiners, with the consent of the [commissioner] Commissioner of Public Health, and shall include (1) counseling; [and] (2) the practice of the mechanical and material sciences of healing as follows: The mechanical sciences such as mechanotherapy, articular manipulation, corrective and orthopedic gymnastics, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy and phototherapy; and the material sciences such as nutrition, dietetics, phytotherapy, treatment by natural substances and external applications; (3) ordering diagnostic tests and other diagnostic procedures as such tests and procedures relate to the practice of mechanical and material sciences of healing as described in subdivision (2) of this subsection; (4) ordering medical devices and durable medical equipment; and (5) removing ear wax, spirometry, tuberculosis testing and venipuncture for blood testing. (b) For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, “natural substances” means substances [which] that are not narcotic substances, as defined in subdivision (30) of section 21a-240, do not require the “
