Minnesota Law

Currently in Minnesota there is no legal distinction between graduates of accredited graduate-level naturopathic medical programs and those who practice naturopathy with various educational backgrounds. To uphold this standard of professionalism and education, all MnANP members are graduates of accredited naturopathic medical programs. The majority of members hold a Naturopathic Doctor license in another state.

Why would licensing benefit you?

• Licensing would allow ND's to order lab work, so we can eliminate the hassle of visiting another healthcare provider (such as an MD or Nurse Practitioner) just to get needed lab work
• Increased acceptance of insurance companies for naturopathic consultation costs
• Licensing would allow NDs to do routine office exams such as pap smears and prostate exams
• Depending on the extent of the law passed, a licensed ND would be able to prescribe medication when it is necessary. And if we are able to prescribe, we would also be capable of taking you off them when possible or change the dosage. My emphasis on diet, nutrition and less evasive treatment plans will always be first. But in some situations, prescription medications become a necessary part of health.
• Licensing guarantees that an ND has had a full naturopathic medical education. Under our proposed bill, we do not wish to prohibit other naturopaths and herbalists from practicing. We do wish to increase patients' benefits and our own scope of practice, as well as help define the difference between Naturopathic Doctors with their degree from nationally accredited colleges and naturopaths without that education.

For updates on issues pertaining to license to practice Naturopathic medicine, visit Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians