HB 1253 -- Naturopathic Medicine

Sponsor:  Kissell

This bill provides for the registration and licensure of doctors
of naturopathic medicine.  The Board of Healing Arts must adopt
rules that are necessary for the management of this medical
profession.

The rules adopted will cover the collection of fees, licensing
exams, continuing education, disciplinary procedures, the
initiation of naturopathic specialties, determining
qualifications, and competency screening of naturopathic medical
assistants.

The bill also contains provisions regarding the examination
which must be taken before receiving a license.  Part one will
consist of basic medical science subjects, part two will
encompass clinical medical subjects, and part three will consist
of clinical competency.  The board is also allowed to accept
exams conducted by a national board of examiners, if the exams
include these subjects.  The board will also establish
reciprocation with states that have an educational program of
equivalent quality to Missouri's.

The bill contains provisions regarding clinical training for
naturopathic medical students.  Those wishing to receive
clinical training must make application with the board.  They
must train under the direct supervision of a licensed
physician.  The board will prescribe procedures that students
may perform under the supervision of a physician.  After making
application with the board, graduates of approved schools of
naturopathic medicine may engage in internship programs.
Interns will work under the direct supervision of a licensed
physician.  The board will prescribe procedures that interns may
perform under the direct supervision of a physician.  Procedures
practiced by interns are not allowed to go beyond the scope of
practice of supervising physicians.

Licensed naturopathic physicians are allowed to dispense
substances and devices as long as they follow certain criteria
established by the bill.

The bill contains penalty provisions.