healthbriefs
Naturopathic licensing:
obstacles to cure
by dana michaels, Nd
N
aturopathic doctors (NDs)
go through rigorous medi-
cal training only to face many
legislative obstacles. Naturopa-
thy is based on centuries-old
philosophies but is a small,
growing field that has only
Interested in networking
recently gained recognition in
with a holistic community
the United States. Naturopathic
of people?
doctors are trained as primary
care physicians that practice
Then become a part of the
whole-patient wellness and
Blue Horizons
non-invasive, individualized treatment plans. However, NDs may only practice
Holistic Network
“medicine” and be recognized as “physicians” in the 15 states that license naturo-
practitioners & non-practitioners welcome
pathic medicine.
Join us at our
In non-licensed states like New York, naturopathic doctors work as consulting
Monthly Luncheon Meetings
3rd Thursday of every month
doctors. Although they have been trained as physicians, they are prohibited from
noon - 2 pm
diagnosing, prescribing medication, ordering labs and using modalities of physi-
Best Western Hotel - Rt. 59, Nyack
cal assessment, manipulation, IV therapy, acupuncture and minor surgery. In an
To learn more, visit us at unlicensed state, NDs can provide assessments (but not diagnoses) of a patient’s
www.BlueHorizons.us
health and records, and can create suggestive treatment plans (as opposed to pre-
scriptions).
In licensed states, NDs have the same abilities as other physicians to diag-
nose and treat their patients. Patients can have just one primary care physician
responsible for diagnosis, such as physical exams and labs, who can also offer
holistic health care, healthy lifestyle education and natural treatment modalities.
In addition, patients residing in a licensed state have the opportunity for insurance
coverage on their visits to a naturopathic doctor.
GeNetically
Licensed states also have a regulatory regime for the public’s protection that
clearly differentiates naturopathic doctors from others. Naturopathic doctors at-
eNGiNeered tend a four-year post-graduate medical school with over 4500 clinical hours. In
crOps rife With
contrast, there are online schools that offer non-ND naturopathic degrees and cer-
tificates with far less rigorous curriculums and no hands-on training. In unlicensed
pesticides states, there is no way for the public to distinguish naturopathic doctors from those
u.s. growers of genetically that receive such online credentials. Only a graduate from an accredited medical
engineered (ge) corn, soy- institution can legally call him or herself a “Naturopathic Doctor,” meeting the
beans and cotton increased the highest standards of education, examination and licensure.
use of weed-killing herbicides There are so many advantages to living in a state that licenses naturopathic
by 383 million pounds from medicine. Does this mean that those residing in unlicensed states should avoid
1996 to 2008, according to naturopathic medicine until the state is licensed? Quite the contrary. Having an
the organic center’s analysis ND as part of one’s medical team is highly beneficial. NDs in unlicensed states
of department of Agriculture still can use plenty of their unique abilities and training to provide natural medical
data. this swamps the 64-mil- care to their patients. NDs can assist with a comprehensive lifestyle plan that can
lion-pound reduction in insecti- help each patient achieve optimum health.
cides associated with ge corn
and cotton, resulting in a net For more information on which states are licensed, legislative efforts, accredited
increase of 319 million pounds schools, how to get involved in the licensing effort and finding a naturopathic
of poison.
doctor, visit www.naturopathic.org.
Dana Michaels is a naturopathic doctor with offices in Northvale, NJ and Brook-
Source: Organic-Center.org
lyn. She can be reached at 201-725-2352 or DrDanaMichaels@gmail.com.
10 Rockland & Orange Counties www.naturalawakeningsro.com
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