California Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine
Encyclopedia
California Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine enforces the State Naturopathic Doctors Act, promulgates regulations relating to the profession, and develops licensing standards. It is also the designated resource for receiving and investigating consumer complaints against naturopathic doctors. The Bureau is part of California Department of Consumer Affairs
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In 2009, Assembly Bill (AB) X420 (Statutes of 2009) established the Naturopathic Medicine Committee under the Osteopathic Board of California.
In California, only licensed professionals can legally call themselves "naturopathic doctor," "licensed naturopathic doctor" or "doctor of naturopathic medicine." Licensed naturopathic doctors can prescribe drugs using standardized procedures or protocols established jointly with a supervising licensed physician and surgeon. However, naturopathic doctors are not "medical doctors," "M.D.s" or "physicians."
California Department of Consumer Affairs
The California Department of Consumer Affairs is a department under the California State and Consumer Services Agency. DCA's stated mission is to serve the interests of California's consumers by ensuring a standard of professionalism in key industries and promoting informed consumer practices...
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History
The Bureau was established based on 2003 legislation [Senate Bill (SB) 907], which directed the California Department of Consumer Affairs to establish the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004. The first licenses were issued in 2005.In 2009, Assembly Bill (AB) X420 (Statutes of 2009) established the Naturopathic Medicine Committee under the Osteopathic Board of California.
Regulations
Kathy McKeever, Chief of the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine, described licensing as "[assuring] that a naturopathic doctor has met the minimum professional standards and passed required examinations. To maintain their license, doctors must also meet ongoing educational requirements that help them stay current with professional practices."In California, only licensed professionals can legally call themselves "naturopathic doctor," "licensed naturopathic doctor" or "doctor of naturopathic medicine." Licensed naturopathic doctors can prescribe drugs using standardized procedures or protocols established jointly with a supervising licensed physician and surgeon. However, naturopathic doctors are not "medical doctors," "M.D.s" or "physicians."
External links
- Naturopathic Medicine Committee under the Osteopathic Board of California (website)
- A Consumer's Guide to Naturopathic Medicine, by the California Department of Consumer Affairs