Page last updated 7 Jan 2018
Action alert
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Media Coverage
A physician’s take on Alberta regulators clearing naturopath of misconduct in toddler’s death. Naturopathic Diaries. 2017. Michelle Cohen.
Alberta parents convicted in toddler’s meningitis death. CBC News. 2016.
Canadian physicians criticize naturopaths in wake of Ezekiel Stephan’s death. Naturopathic Diaries. 2016. Britt Hermes.
Naturopaths have no place providing health care to children. KevinMD. 2016. Britt Hermes.
Ezekiel Stephan: Why naturopaths shouldn’t treat children—or anyone else. Respectful Insolence. 2016. Orac.
Should naturopaths be restricted from treating children after tragic death of Alberta toddler? National Post. 2016. Sharon Kirkey.
Even when children die, naturopaths refuse to blame each other. Naturopathic Diaries. 2016. Britt Hermes.
Are we being served by the regulation of naturopaths? Not if patients are still being misled. Globe and Mail. 2016. Carly Weeks.
Scope of practice
Alberta naturopathic regulation act defining the scope of practice
Title: May use the title “doctor”
Prescription drugs: Not permitted (not defined)
IV administration: Permitted
Diagnostic tests: Permitted to perform physical exams and blood tests
Minor office procedures: Permitted
Spinal manipulations: Permitted
Childbirth/ midwifery: Not defined
Permitted to perform colon hydrotherapy and to administer ozone intravenously.
History
Naturopaths have been registered since 2012.
How to file a complaint
Registered naturopaths are regulated by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Alberta. Complaints can be filed through their website.