Page last reviewed 19 Dec 2019
Action alert
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Scope of practice
It may be illegal for any person to practice naturopathy in the state of Alabama without a license to practice medicine or osteopathy issued by the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama. A letter from Patricia E. Shaner, General Counsel for the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, specifies that based on the ruling in Williams v. State and Alabama Code §§ 34-24-50 and 34-24-51,
the practice of naturopathic medicine in Alabama by someone who holds only a degree from a school of naturopathic medicine is the practice of medicine without a license.
History
1984 court case Williams v. State ex rel. med. licensure, 453 So.2d 1051 (Ala.Civ.App. 1984)
The court ruled that naturopathy is not a distinct medical discipline whose practitioners are entitled to separate licensing requirements different from those of physicians. This ruling made the practice of naturopathy without a medical license illegal in Alabama.
How to file a complaint
The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners regulates physicians and physician assistants. They will investigate claims pertaining to the practice of medicine without a license.
Anyone can file a complaint. You may do so by downloading this form and mailing it to
Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners848 Washington Avenue (36104)P.O. Box 946, Montgomery, AL 36101-0946