Naturopathic Medicine in Vermont - Naturopathic Diaries

Page last updated 19 Dec 2019

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Scope of practice

Title: Permitted to use the titles “doctor” and “physician”

Prescription drugs: May prescribe specific legend substances in the Vermont naturopathic formulary after obtaining a special license by passing a pharmacology examination and a supervision agreement with a physician or licensed naturopath. According to Vermont’s naturopathic statutes regarding the exam:

The naturopathic pharmacology examination shall be administered by the Director [of the office of professional regulation] or the Director’s designee and shall test an applicant’s knowledge of the pharmacology, clinical use, side effects, and drug interactions of prescription medicines, including substances in the Vermont Department of Health’s regulated drugs rule.

According to Vermont’s rules (3.5,b) regarding naturopathic prescribing, naturopaths are required to obtain a formal, written agreement of supervision by a physician or licensed naturopath for a period of no less than one year and for the first 100 medications prescribed by a naturopath after passing the pharmacology exam.

Controlled substances: Permitted per the formulary after obtaining a special license to prescribe drugs

Vermont naturopathic formulary (updated 2012)

IV administration: Permitted per the formulary

Diagnostic tests: Permitted

Minor office procedures: Not defined, but episiotomy and perineal repair associated with naturopathic childbirth are permitted under special license endorsement by the board

Spinal manipulations: Spinal manipulation permitted; the practice of chiropractic is prohibited

Childbirth/ midwifery: Permitted to provide home childbirth services including episiotomy and perineal repair after receiving a special license endorsement by the board

Vaccine waiver: Not defined

Naturopathic assistants: Not defined

Vermont naturopathic statues

Continuing education requirements

Naturopaths are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education biennially. (Defined in law above.)

History

In 2012, S.209, An Act Relating to Naturopathic Physicians (linked above), was passed. Naturopaths have been licensed in Vermont since 1996.

How to file a complaint

Licensed naturopaths in Vermont are regulated by the director of the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and two licensed naturopaths appointed by the secretary of state to advise the director. Anyone can file a complaint. Information for filing complaints can be found on the Vermont’s Secretary of State website.

Download complaint form

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