BOISE, Idaho (AP) A legislation bill is heading to Gov. Brad Little’s desk that would allow Naturopathic medical doctors to get licensed.
The Idaho Chapter of the American Association of Naturopathic is supporting House Bill 244. Under the bill, naturopaths would be issued a license if they have passed exams from accredited neuropathic medical schools.
The bill would create a Naturopathic Medical Board.
“We are actually a sub-board under the Board of Medicine. This is not a new licensing board. That model exists for athletic trainers, dietitians and respiratory therapists as well. This is a not new process and we’re just joining that group and looking forward to working with the medical community and bridging that gap for our patients,” said licensed naturopathic physician Diana Crumrine.
The bill would also provide for licensed naturopaths to provide more services to their patients including ordering labs, plus managing prescriptions.
Crumrine said there aren’t many insurance companies that cover naturopath medications and the bill could start a movement for companies to add those to their plans if they see a need for it.
“Throughout the country, there’s a feeling of wanting more choices, for your health care and natural medicine, or naturopathic medicine is one of those choices. There are 23 other states that are license for this primary care option and so it’s just a matter of time where all states will be license and we’re just happy to be having this option now. To increase our opportunities in the state,” Crumrine said.
The bill passed the Senate floor with 32 in favor, two against and one absent.