The Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Natural Medicine, Real Solutions
Naturopathic medicine is a form of health care that blends old, proven medicines with new scientific knowledge and advancements. Unlike other contemporary health care practitioners, naturopathic doctors are the only ones clinically trained in natural therapeutics, and are capable of combining these treatments with other forms of medication. Many illnesses, both acute and chronic, can be effectively treated using natural treatments.
Legislation
The PANP has been working toward regulation of the naturopathic profession for the past 40 years. Licensing provides a clear and unequivocal means for the public to identify and rely on graduate level trained Naturopathic Doctors (NDs).
HB 516 was introduced in the 2015-2016 session by Rep. Mark Mustio (R). The bill passed the House by an overwhelming margin in the winter of 2015, and finally passed the Senate in late October 2016. Governor Wolf signed the bill into law on November 3, 2016.
Licensing NDs would provide:
- Quality Assurance — Licensing would ensure that NDs adhere to the same benchmarks of professional accountability as do other licensed health professionals.
- Health Freedom — Licensure is necessary in order to provide the public with availability and accessibility to choices in health care.
- Treatment Integration — With licensure, naturopathic physicians would be expected to operate according to set standards and competency requirements. Professionals would be free to communicate with, refer patients to, and integrate techniques with standard natural treatments.
- Fraud Protection — Protection for the public is an essential concern of the PANP. Currently, the public is not able to easily identify physician-level trained naturopathic doctors. Anyone regardless of training can claim to be a 'Naturopath,' yet consumers deserve and expect regulation of health care professionals, including NDs. Licensure would insure the reliability of the practitioners and their education.
- Cost Effectiveness — Naturopathic doctors focus on the health education and prevention of disease. Dietary management along with natural medicines are proven to improve many of today’s most expensive health conditions. This approach results in fewer number of doctor visits, less use of prescription medications and less expensive surgeries.
Take Action
Write your legislator. Tell them that you support licensing of naturopathic medicine in PA. Share your experience with naturopathic medicine. Personal stories are the single most powerful tool in the legislative efforts.
Click here to find your local legislators.
Click here to find your local legislators.
