Mind-Body Medical University (MBMU) in Pasadena

Actually, working in the fitness profession, I've taken a number of CAM courses over the years and I'm convinced that naturopathy is based on junk science, as are many other alternative therapies. We would have to redefine the rules of science in order to provide a scientific basis for naturopathy and homeopathy. I hope we don't.

That is one good reason why they don't deserve the title of physician.

Most medical schools in the US offer continuing education courses to all licensed physicians in both those areas. Moreover, if someone has a stress related problem, a better bet might be to consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Similarly, there are board certified nutritionists affiliated with most hostpitals and medical centers.

I think naturopath practioners should remain unregulated, like most of the practioners in the alternative medicine field. We already have RNs, PAs and MDs delivering real medical services. Thus, I see no reason to lower the standard of medical care by accomodating alternatives practioners. I'm against the licensing and tagging of everything. I believe that individuals need to take responsibility for their decisions and If it makes them feel good to consult with an alternative practioner, so be it.

 

The problem with lack of licensing is then *anyone* can represent themselves as a physician, including people who have read a few books and paid some questionable business masquerading as a school a few thousand bucks for a worthless degree. I would much rather evaluate and license holistic practitioners, establish a clear scope of practice so they know what they can and cannot do, and have a mechanism to ensure that standards are upheld. I can't see any possible benefit (except to the fraudulent naturopaths) of letting anyone, regardless of credentials, claim qualifications to diagnose and treat illness.

 

Kizmet,

I love it! Best one-liner that I've read on this board in a long time!

Thanks,

 

While I am not anti naturopathy, I can't imagine actually going to an ND for a surgical procedure. Who administers the anasthesia? Their secretary?!

 

Sorry, I didn't clarify. I was thinking specifically of Arizona, which (last I checked, which was 10+ years ago) had a separate licensing board for naturopathic physicians, and allowed them to perform minor surgical procedures. This would be things like lancing boils, stitching wounds, removing small skin lesions, etc.

In cases like that, a local anesthesia (typically novocaine or something similar) is used and, in Arizona at least, naturopathic physicians are allowed to prescribe medication that is of a natural origin. So, for example, they could prescribe penicillin (an antibiotic of natural origin) but not cipro (a synthetic antibiotic.) So in the case you're describing, the naturopathic physician would inject novocaine (a local anesthetic) before performing the minor surgery.

Also, a naturopathic physician could certainly employ an RN, or even (as long as working within the scope of his/her license) employ a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist to assist in or perform procedures that the naturopath is allowed to do under the scope of his/her license.

In California, a state that gave in to intense lobbying from the losers at the unaccredited schools, the licensure law for naturopaths is weak, and (properly educated, properly licensed) naturopathic physicians do not have as wide a scope of practice; however, *any* bozo who graduated from some unaccredited, unlicensed, or even completely fraudulent school can call himself a "holistic practitioner" or "traditional naturopath" and can perform certain procedures, but cannot prescribe medication, perform minor surgery, or otherwise treat patients with the scope that licensable naturopaths in states with good licensing laws are permitted to do.

 

It looks like CA has tighten up its rules regarding naturopathic medicine (from state licensing website)

How do I qualify for a naturopathic license?
To be considered for licensure, you must submit California’s Application for Naturopathic Doctor, the $400 application fee, and proof that you:
• Have not been convicted of a crime nor subject to disciplinary action that would deem you unfit to perform in a manner consistent with the public health, safety, or welfare (See Title 16 California Code of Regulations, Division 40, section 4268).
• Graduated from an approved naturopathic medical school.
• Passed Part 1 of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) or received a waiver from the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners.
• Passed Part 2 of the NPLEX.

What is an approved naturopathic medical school?
An approved naturopathic medical school or program is one that is:
• Accredited by a national postsecondary education accrediting body.
• Has accreditation or pre-accreditation from the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).
• Offers a minimum four-academic-year, postgraduate, in-residence curriculum (Business and Professions Code section 3623), which includes basic science and clinical didactic studies, as well as clinical (experiential) training leading to a naturopathic doctor degree, or a diploma (from a Canadian program).

The CNME recognizes the following schools:
In the United States:
• Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
• National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, OR
• Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Tempe, AZ
• College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bridgeport, CT
In Canada:
• The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, North York, Ontario
• Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, New Westminster, British Columbia
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Will the Bureau accept my doctorate of naturopathy from an unapproved naturopathic college? I am a member of a national professional naturopathic association.
No. California law is specific on the colleges and examinations that qualify for licensure. Only colleges approved by the CNME qualify.

Are there or will there be any accredited naturopathic colleges in California?
There are currently no approved naturopathic medical colleges in California. It will probably take several years before