Licensure Frequently Asked Questions

A Naturopathic Licensing law would benefit the citizens of Michigan in numerous ways. It would work to:

1. Protect the public

2. Increase access to affordable healthcare

3. Allow NDs to practice to the full extent of their training

4. Help to differentiate between a Naturopathic Doctor and other NDs

5. Lower the cost of healthcare

6. Ensure our citizens the same quality of healthcare as that available in other states

7. Encourage the ongoing use of popular therapeutics

Protect the public

In a state without naturopathic licensure, anyone can call him or herself a ND regardless of the level of training, experience or competence. The potential harm to the healthcare consumer is great in terms of missed diagnoses or inappropriate treatments.

A law would prevent practitioners who are not licensed under this act from calling themselves "naturopathic physicians". This provides public protection from practitioners without adequate training, who without regulation can misrepresent themselves as naturopathic physicians.  

Licensure ensures that naturopathic doctors have graduated from accredited, four-year graduate-level naturopathic medical schools, passed board exams, and meet on-going continuing education requirements. NDs are trained to understand both natural and conventional therapies, thus assisting other practitioners and the patient in the safe use of natural medicine, and they are trained in differential diagnosis and can make a referral to the appropriate medical specialist for further care when necessary. 

Access to healthcare

Many people are seeking alternative to drugs and surgery and don't know where to turn or whom to believe. Naturopathic medicine is a physician-level profession providing safe and effective, broad-scope, cost-effective natural treatment options. The public should have full access to the health care providers they choose.

Ability to practice as trained

Without a licensure, NDs are unable or unwilling to practice to the full extent of their training.

Passage of legislation in Michigan is similar to that in all licensed states and would enable NDs to more effectively serve their patients. It would define the scope of practice for naturopathic physicians, establish standards required to qualify for licensure, including passage of a competency test, and it would establish continuing education requirements for naturopathic physicians. This would benefit the public by allowing ND's to practice to their scope of training: to order lab tests, perform exams, make a diagnosis, implement treatment, and prevent disease.

What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and other naturopaths?

Both naturopathic doctors and other naturopaths draw from the philosophy of naturopathy to educate people in health-supportive strategies. The difference lies in their education and scope of practice.

NDs graduate from accredited, four-year, naturopathic schools, where they receive comprehensive training in basic biomedical sciences, diagnostic procedures, and natural therapies. Their education includes two years of supervised clinical training after which they must pass board exams and meet annual continuing education requirements. NDs have a long history as a distinct medical profession n the US, dating back to the early 1900's

The training for other naturopath varies widely from self-instruction or apprenticeships to distance-learning or correspondence programs. They receive no or little clinical training. 

How would licensing Naturopathic Physicians affect the cost of health care?

Naturopathic medicine has been shown to be both effective and cost-effective health care.

Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention, patient participation, and technologically simpler treatments. One cost-benefit study concluded that naturopathic treatment 1) reduced or eliminated the need for prescription or OTC medications 2) reduced the need for surgeries, medical interventions, procedures and services; and 3) increases patients' ability to give self-care.

Further studies suggest that preventive medicine decrease the cost of health care over time by reducing the incidence of chronic disease.  

Do other States license Naturopathic Physicians?

NDs are licensed in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, (District of Columbia), Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, Oregon, Puerto Rico, New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and the Virgin Islands. In those jurisdictions title protection and scope of practice is defined in their legislation.

Will a naturopathic licensing law prevent citizens from using therapeutics within the naturopathic physician's scope of practice?

A licensing law will not prevent any other licensed practitioner or citizen from using the therapeutic modalities that are within the scope of naturopathic practice. The ability of other health professions and citizens to use these therapies is defined by the scope of practice of each profession and the legal rights granted by Michigan to its citizens. Nor would it prevent anyone from selling vitamins, minerals, homeopathic medicines, etc., as long as these substances are permitted for sale by other laws of Michigan.

Licensing issues for Michigan Naturopaths

Licensing Authorities