April 2004

Florida may allow NDs to practice

The Florida legislature is considering a bill to allow naturopathic physicians to be licensed. Senate Bill 2604, which revives the state's naturopathic licensing board by amending Chapter 462 of the Florida Statutes, was filed by Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla (Dist. 36, Miami), member of the Senate Committee on Health, Aging, and Long Term Care. A corresponding House version of the bill (HB1375) was filed by Rep. Marty Bowen (Dist. 65, Winterhaven), member of the House Healthcare Committee.

The bills' sponsors and supporters include Florida's Naturopathic Physicians Association(www.fnpa.org), and the I. W. Lane College of Integrated Medicine in Orlando. The supporters say the proposed legislation gives Floridians access to a new set of primary health care options, and will help reduce health care costs throughout the state.

Supporters also say the proposed legislation will help protect the health of patients by preventing naturopathic "diploma mills" from pouring untrained and unlicensed "doctors" into Florida.

The bill specifically states: “Nothing in this chapter shall be held or construed to authorize any doctor of naturopathic medicine or naturopathic physician licensed under this chapter hereunder to practice materia medica, major or surgery, or chiropractic medicine, acupuncture or oriental medicine, nor shall the provisions of this chapter law in any manner apply to or affect the practice of osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine …”

Naturopathic medicine is a form of medicine that strives to keep patients well by means of proper nutrition, naturally-derived medicines and other noninvasive procedures. It was formerly practiced throughout Florida until its physician licensing board was disbanded in 1959.

A recent surge of interest in natural medicine, both within Florida and throughout the country, has prompted many lawmakers and citizens to call for legislation to reestablish Florida's naturopathic medical licensing board.

Thirteen states (most recently California in September of 2003) have established state naturopathic licensing boards for the purpose of testing and admitting into practice graduates from four-year accredited naturopathic medical schools.

Sources: Florida Senate, www.flsenate.gov; the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, www.naturopathic.org

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