After a 67-year gap, Florida may be about to legalize naturopathic medicine
Florida lawmakers are considering legislation (HB 223/SB 898) in the 2026 session to license and regulate naturopathic doctors (NDs) for the first time in 67 years. The bill would create a state board to oversee practitioners, allowing them to treat patients using natural remedies, order labs, and perform physical exams. While proponents cite improved health access, critics argue it could legalize potentially dangerous, unproven treatments. Key details regarding the proposed legislation:
- Licensure Requirements: Applicants must hold a four-year doctoral degree from an accredited naturopathic medical program and pass a licensing exam.
- Scope of Practice: Licensed NDs could provide nutritional guidance, use botanical/fungi extracts, perform physical exams, and order diagnostic imaging or lab tests.
- Regulatory Board: The bill establishes a seven-member Board of Naturopathic Medicine under the Department of Health, including four licensed NDs and two medical doctors.
- Opposition Concerns: Critics argue that ND training is insufficient compared to medical doctors and worry that patients might delay necessary conventional medical treatments.
- Background: The effort to license NDs in Florida has been ongoing, with Rep. David Smith and Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez championing the initiative to bring regulation to the practice.
If passed, this would establish a formal regulatory framework, replacing the current lack of oversight for such practices in Florida.
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