Page last updated 19 Dec 2019
Action alert
None.
Media Coverage
Naturopathic shenanigans in the Maryland legislature. Forbes. 2013. Steven Salzberg.
Maryland passed naturopathic licensing bill, but with damage control. 2014. Science-Based Medicine. Jann Bellamy.
Report to the Maryland Board of Physicians Naturopathic Advisory Committee: Recommendations for Naturopathic Regulation. Society for Science-Based Medicine. 2014.
Scope of practice
Title: May use the title “doctor”
- Specifically prohibited from using the title “physician”
- Not licensed as a primary care doctor
- Must establish a collaborative and consultation agreement with a physician in the state ensuring that licensed naturopaths will refer to and consult with physicians
Prescription drugs: Prohibited from prescribing legend substances
Controlled substances: May not prescribe controlled substances
IV administration: Not permitted.
Diagnostic tests: May order and perform diagnostic tests. May order and interpret imaging tests.
Minor office procedures: Not permitted.
Spinal manipulations: Permitted.
Childbirth/ midwifery: Not defined.
Vaccine waiver: Not defined.
Naturopathic assistants: Not defined.
Maryland naturopathic statutes
Additional information can be found at the Maryland Board of Physicians website
Continuing education requirements
At the time of this writing, I could not find information stating that naturopaths are required to complete continuing education in order to renew state licensure. A link to the licensing application for naturopaths is here. Continuing education requirements for naturopaths are recommended to the Maryland Board of Physicians by the Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Committee.
History
Naturopathic doctors gained licensure in October 2014 with the passing of companion bills SB 314 and HB 402. The law went into effect March 1, 2016.
During the 2016 Maryland legislative season, SB 806 passed allowing naturopaths to establish a naturopathic formulary council within the Maryland Board of Physicians.
How to file a complaint
Naturopaths are regulated by the Maryland Board of Physicians. They are represented by a Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Committee that reports to the board. The committee is made up of two naturopaths, two physicians, and one public member. The committee is charged with providing guidance to the medical board regarding disciplinary actions taken against naturopaths.
Anyone may file a complaint. While the medical board accepts anonymous complaints, it cannot guarantee that reports will remain anonymous and encourages complainants to include their names.
Send completed forms to
Department of Health and Mental HygieneMaryland Board of Physicians4201 Patterson Ave.Baltimore, MD 21215
There is no online reporting system. More information about the board’s complaint process can be found here.