Colorado Regulates and Licenses Naturopathic Doctors
as Preventative Medical Experts
Colorado Governor Signs Bill Regulating Naturopathic Doctors. Regulating Naturopathic Doctors will increase the access to Natural Medicine for Illness Prevention and Treatment for Coloradoans.
On June 5, 2013 in Denver, CO, Governor John Hickenlooper signed into law a measure to regulate naturopathic doctors and define their scope of practice. Colorado becomes the 17th state to do so (along with the District of Columbia). “I am proud that Colorado has taken the lead in ensuring that well trained naturopathic doctors, appropriately regulated, become a viable health care option for the citizens of our state,” said Rep. Joann Ginal (D-Ft. Collins), the bill’s lead sponsor. “More and more Coloradans are seeking health choices complementary to their MD’s treatment approach and many NDs work in collaboration with MDs.”
Sen. Linda Newell (D-Littleton), the bill’s lead sponsor in the Senate, commented that “Naturopathic doctors are going to be a key component in health care, potentially saving millions of dollars through their focus on disease prevention. We need every possible door open to professional health care right now, particularly in the rural areas.”
Naturopathic doctors are trained to prevent and treat chronic conditions associated with lifestyle – such as hypertension, weight gain, obesity, and diabetes – as well as most other illnesses. The law will enable Coloradans to distinguish between naturopathic doctors and lay or traditional naturopaths, who lack rigorous graduate-level clinical training.
Currently, more than 150 naturopathic doctors practice in Colorado. As with other licensed medical professionals, a framework will now be provided for the safe and effective conduct of their profession, including:
- A registration program for qualified naturopathic doctors
- A multi-disciplinary advisory committee with oversight responsibility
- Requirements to maintain liability insurance and meet continuing professional competencies
- A requirement that naturopathic doctors communicate and collaborate, as appropriate, with other health care practitioners.
“This is a great day for naturopathic doctors and the citizens of Colorado,” remarked Denise Clark, ND, president of the Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CoAND). “Our members are dedicated to patient-centered, preventive care, and provide a safe, effective, and affordable alternative for patients seeking holistic health care.”
“An increasing base of scientific research is affirming that naturopathic medicine is useful in the treatment of numerous chronic illnesses,” observed Jud Richland, MPH, Chief Executive Officer
of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). “A good example is the recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, documenting that naturopathic medicine may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among people at high risk. Naturopathic medicine is effective in many cases of preventable illness which affect a vast and increasing number of Americans.”
Exert from the AANP & CoAND
House Bill hb13-1111colorado
To view the whole Colorado Naturopathic Bill click the bill: hb13-1111 colorado
Further information can be found thought the following professional organizations
Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors CoAND 303-507-0179
American Association of Naturopathic Doctors AANP 202-237-8150
Gems Form The Internet……
[…]very few websites that happen to be from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[…]……