North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2041

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  

Caption

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 43-58-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to eligibility requirements for endorsement to prescribe independently of naturopathic doctors.

Impact

The implementation of SB2041 could significantly impact the practice of naturopathic medicine in North Dakota. By allowing qualified practitioners to prescribe independently, the bill would expand the scope of practice for naturopaths and potentially improve patient access to a broader range of therapeutic options. Regulators anticipate that this could enhance collaboration between naturopaths and physicians, thereby enriching patient care through integrated approaches to health management.

Summary

SB2041 seeks to amend section 43-58-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, which establishes the eligibility requirements for naturopathic doctors to prescribe medication independently. The bill specifies that a naturopath must obtain a limited endorsement after entering into a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician. This supervisor will review the first hundred prescriptions or the first twelve months of prescribing to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and the safe practice of prescribing within the naturopath's scope. This endorsement aims to streamline the process for qualified naturopaths to manage patients more effectively.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from some healthcare providers who advocate for patient choice and expanded access to care, it may also face criticism from those who are concerned about the risks involved with allowing naturopaths to prescribe medications. Opponents might argue that the lack of rigorous oversight compared to traditional medical training could lead to inappropriate prescribing practices. Furthermore, discussions in legislative sessions could highlight the need for stringent accountability measures to prevent any potential misuse of prescribing privileges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2041

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 43-58-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to eligibility requirements for endorsement to prescribe independently of naturopathic doctors.

ND SB2042

Obtaining criminal history record checks for naturopathic doctors and genetic counselors; and to amend and reenact subdivision d of subsection 2 of section 12-60-24 of the North Dakota Century Code, providing authority to complete the background checks with the bureau of criminal investigation to complete the criminal history record checks.

ND SB2042

AN ACT to create and enact a new subsection to section 43-58-03.1 and section 43-60-06.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obtaining criminal history record checks for naturopathic doctors and genetic counselors; and to amend and reenact subdivision d of subsection 2 of section 12-60-24 of the North Dakota Century Code, providing authority to complete the background checks with the bureau of criminal investigation to complete the criminal history record checks.

ND SB2402

AN ACT to create and enact two new sections to chapter 43-15 and a new subsection to section 43-48-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the prescriptive authority of pharmacists and therapeutic substitution; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 26.1-36.11-01 and section 43-15-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the scope of practice of pharmacists; to repeal section 43-15-25.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to approved laboratory tests; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1245

Election offenses.

ND HB1245

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 16.1-01-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to election offenses.

ND HB1267

Optometrist licensure.

ND HB1267

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 43-13-01, 43-13-02, 43-13-05, 43-13-07, 43-13-08, 43-13-13, 43-13-13.2, 43-13-13.3, 43-13-15, 43-13-16, 43-13-17, and 43-13-19 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to optometrist licensure.

ND LD1128

An Act to Modernize the Formulary for Naturopathic Doctors

ND SB2129

The practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology; and to provide a penalty.

Similar Bills

CA SB1333

Naturopathic doctors: scope of practice.

LA HB1093

Creates the Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine

ND SB2041

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 43-58-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to eligibility requirements for endorsement to prescribe independently of naturopathic doctors.

NJ S904

"Naturopathic Doctors Licensing Act."

CO SB032

Naturopathic Doctor Requirements Formulary

WI SB632

Naturopathic doctors. (FE)

ME LD1128

An Act to Modernize the Formulary for Naturopathic Doctors

AZ SB1178

naturopathic physicians; drug administration