[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6686593,"mediaKeyId","2160373-33217f136f011484d398adf655c96cf3","parentId",2160373,"title","Wyoming committee hears hours-long debate over HB 269 to license naturopathic doctors; bill tabled for further work","audioSeconds",3837,"startMs",147000,"endMs",3984000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160373-33217f136f011484d398adf655c96cf3&start=147&end=3984","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160373-33217f136f011484d398adf655c96cf3/thumbnail_147000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6686593/Wyoming/Wyoming-committee-hears-hours-long-debate-over-HB-269-to-license-naturopathic-doctors-bill-tabled-for-further-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6686593-7682d1d1c8b192ffb209cf2ac00dee7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775178362&Signature=PoGckhNvKwgZeb1zMYiAFDRykvkB1yItyWMylP8vY~Sv2wQzign4AbOc99xh~zMohtdmqdFDVEC7p14Eqq2XwjOtule2uV1-EvKtT3nmfibgwZ9Ynq4RL3n37xsdwesYi2DVgxtfiYF18an09C1eOOS9mLgr1h-NT17Rf9k94L4NKwGKa3IVwKCXVu550HbnkbMBWs6oVshSOsgfDENIHBd9SwtDbKzjdTdG2WPAbi-WQB6Nr2mb3YPXRflSnSCzB3r0Tk9U5Hj40TZoGQJimLNwZIKT8GQ8LNtMOnZroiY0kGnvRp~AVUopiNo3iiBabgPxZledbRxsCro7xtY4WA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wyoming Legislature","date","2025-01-29T16:57:01.677Z","article","Lawmakers and members of the public spent more than an hour debating House Bill 269, a measure to license naturopathic physicians in Wyoming, before the House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee voted to table the bill for further work.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative McCann, brought forward a package of proposed amendments during the meeting and argued the intent is to license naturopathic doctors trained in accredited, four‑year programs while exempting traditional naturopaths who currently practice in the state without licensure.

Supporters described accredited naturopathic medical schools and clinical training. “I serve as the Dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine at Sonoran University of Health Sciences, which is located in Tempe, Arizona,” said Dr. Jessica Mitchell, who testified in support on behalf of the Western Association of Naturopathic Medical Practitioners. Mitchell described the school’s four‑year, in‑person program and told the committee that graduates complete “1200 hours of patient care completed at our 2 on‑site clinics and 7 community health clinics” and must pass two licensing exams.

Student testimony emphasized workforce and access implications. “By supporting this bill, Wyoming can position itself as an attractive state for naturopathic doctors to serve and contribute to local communities,” Elizabeth Gustus, a naturopathic medical student and president‑elect of the Naturopathic Medical Student Association, told the committee.

Opposition testimony warned of licensing barriers and market disruption. “I am oppositional, very oppositional to this bill,” said Dr. Kimberly Ballas, a traditional naturopath in Casper, who said licensure could “create a monopoly” and limit existing practitioners’ ability to continue working without additional training and expense. Several other witnesses who described themselves as practicing naturopaths or natural‑health practitioners said the bill would exclude or disadvantage many current providers.

Committee members and registered stakeholders debated two central issues that recurred throughout testimony: the scope of practice the bill would permit (including whether naturopathic physicians could prescribe medications, perform limited office procedures or sign medical documentation) and which licensing board would oversee the profession. Some witnesses and committee members suggested the Board of Medicine might be a more appropriate regulator; supporters of the bill and its lobbyists said they prefer governance by the Board of Acupuncture so naturopathic practitioners would be governed by peers who understand their training and modalities.

Representative McCann offered a set of amendments intended to narrow the bill’s reach and address stakeholder concerns, including language to exempt traditional naturopaths from the licensing scheme and to limit the bill to naturopathic physicians trained in accredited programs. That amendment failed on a voice/hand vote. A separate, technical amendment from legislative staff (LSO) correcting a drafting error passed.

After debate, Representative Wasserburger moved to table the bill for now; the motion was seconded and the committee approved tabling HB 269. Committee members said they preferred additional work with stakeholders to resolve questions about scope, board placement and which practitioners would be affected.

The committee’s tabling leaves HB 269 without a committee recommendation for now; sponsors signaled willingness to continue negotiations and to bring interested practitioners together to seek compromise.

Ending

Representative McCann indicated she will continue to work with stakeholders and said her intent is to license naturopathic doctors trained in accredited programs without disrupting the businesses of traditional naturopaths. The committee did not set a specific interim schedule but members urged further stakeholder meetings before any future committee vote.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, January 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lawmakers and members of the public spent more than an hour debating House Bill 269, a measure to license naturopathic physicians in Wyoming, before the House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee voted to table the bill for further work.","taxTitle","Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, House of Representative, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming","taxId",61353,"location","Wyoming","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6686589,"Committee approves HB 188 to let two families share a nanny for up to four children",1202,3921000,5123000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160373-33217f136f011484d398adf655c96cf3&start=3921&end=5123","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160373-33217f136f011484d398adf655c96cf3/thumbnail_3921000.jpg","/articles/6686589/Wyoming/Committee-approves-HB-188-to-let-two-families-share-a-nanny-for-up-to-four-children","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6686589-5265bcdca48a5ae789e227a686ce1d5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775178362&Signature=h2W5ak0UNM4tr38Onx4koGW-Gy0FHxCrlIGu0qtC3k5TDijasaq8~13XTSXb9LQecgqN9X4pAEV4CE0fR8HNFcU6~byD1W6jtpum01aOG7pVmRFFrG5h4jN9jJ4z9wVsX5ojYOgzphEnYia72b7yPyIUntv4QD9DkOJClcaKHH9-4eyJGEFF0QILnsUFHFZrcfjEsDajSjaP1-1lAEgWBoJEtUaTz7IBI6mJ1uWLW-O2fWjeF2n2whW--D0erc~IGeuouclkOHx~kNchNIwbOZg~lhkEV-FM66tHATtLF~pD6nCcaXXtshcH6DYKDL4kZkSp5dylxGh24kQ8DsRGsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee voted to approve House Bill 188, an amendment to childcare licensing law that allows a single caregiver to serve two families and up to four children without becoming a licensed child‑care facility.

Representative Yin, sponsor of HB 188, told the committee the change is narrow and intended to align statute with common family practices. “If you're watching over 2 up to 2 families, up to 4 children, with no more than 2 of them under the age of 2, you can have a nanny,” Yin said, summarizing the bill’s guardrails.

The Department of Family Services staff described their role and said the department was neutral and available to answer implementation questions. Roxanne O’Connor, support services senior administrator at DFS, clarified existing exemptions under current law: a caregiver for a single family is already exempt regardless of headcount, and an individual caring for two unrelated children is also exempt. O’Connor confirmed HB 188 would allow a caregiver to serve two families (up to four children) without licensing.

Community witnesses told personal stories about access gaps. Micah Richardson of the Wyoming Women’s Foundation described how a sudden childcare closure in DuBois left families scrambling, and she said the bill’s limited exception could help remote communities bridge care gaps. “We really like that this is a kind of simple solution, especially in these emergency situations,” Richardson said. A parent who testified, Abigail Beaudawain, described high costs for hiring a full‑time nanny and said sharing a nanny could reduce expenses and increase options for parents.

The bill’s text includes a cap tied to existing licensing thresholds; DFS staff reminded the committee that licensing and stricter rules typically apply once a caregiver looks after five or more children. Committee members from both parties praised the bill’s limited scope as a practical step to ease access where families share caregiving.

Vote and next steps

The committee approved HB 188 by roll call. The clerk reported the vote as 8 yeas, 0 nays and 1 excused. Representative Yen, the sponsor, was advised to be ready to present the bill on the House floor.

Ending

Committee members said HB 188 is a narrow, practical fix intended to reduce legal uncertainty for families and caregivers who already share nanny services. Department of Family Services staff will be available to advise on implementation as the bill moves to the floor.
","The House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee voted to approve House Bill 188, an amendment to childcare licensing law that allows a single caregiver to serve two families and up to four children without becoming a licensed child‑care facility.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6686584,"Committee advances HB 273 (CARE Act) protecting pregnancy resource centers; opponents argue bill is unnecessary and unconstitutional",1655,5105000,6760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2160373-33217f136f011484d398adf655c96cf3&start=5105&end=6760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2160373-33217f136f011484d398adf655c96cf3/thumbnail_5105000.jpg","/articles/6686584/Wyoming/Committee-advances-HB-273-CARE-Act-protecting-pregnancy-resource-centers-opponents-argue-bill-is-unnecessary-and-unconstitutional","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6686584-bedcd227725c561857622e5eb369f246/orig.mp4?Expires=1775178362&Signature=gHXFLE7f8~~PZbNM7pwWwO-DWCqTckotbYNiFJ3uYTjhi9A5fgFmSS8BGSrhZ-2m7GB7rhXxwcrFMtYDQN89HrQEOXEVSNzgu2tnhI2vZNAhBoUfWRSR7-GkNo4ef2pc0xXL05QasQrY6qOu-hABC3KR2Iw5OKfUMzeWfRzk4Uye1aossYMEggF8FqNCYX7JsXKIVkqjYvsdyX6vHqGLLOcjFcnxWzI0Quv2~IpsdYB3vYcIbm-4C-GxNdxcpFoHUF8qi31wP2IlnK8Cuc-KsImfPsHY6qW2WT~3v-bhb6-iEht8oN3Bv804jGKeFmtGHefXL~0ZUF05XckkWZaW0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee heard testimony on House Bill 273, the Pregnancy Care Center Autonomy and Rights Act (the CARE Act), and advanced the bill after debate and an unsuccessful amendment to remove a provision about legislative intervention in litigation.

Representative Rachel Rodriguez Williams, sponsor of HB 273, and Denise Burke of Alliance Defending Freedom presented the bill. Rodriguez Williams described the measure as a preventive protection for pregnancy resource centers. “The CARE Act protects pregnancy centers by prohibiting state and local officials from forcing a pregnancy center to perform or refer a woman for abortion,” she told the committee. Burke added that the bill “prevents them from being discriminated against because of their pro life ethic,” and said the measures in the bill respond to actions other states have considered against such centers.

Supporters testified that pregnancy centers statewide provide life‑affirming services and community supports for pregnant people and families. Jeanette Ward said some centers offer clothing, diapers, food and counseling and that many rely on private donors. Nathan Winters, president of the Wyoming Family Alliance, and volunteers with local centers described direct client services and urged committee support.

Opponents — including health‑care providers, women's‑rights advocates and several people who said they had personally sought care at pregnancy centers — argued the bill is unnecessary and could protect organizations that provide misleading or nonmedical advice. Linda Burton, speaking for Wyoming Right to Choose, told the panel the bill is “not only unnecessary, it's unconstitutional,” citing First Amendment law and warning the statute’s litigation clause raised separation‑of‑powers concerns. Testimony from medical providers and a representative from Wellspring Health Access, the state’s medication‑abortion provider, said crisis pregnancy centers often use misleading names, are staffed by volunteers who are not licensed health‑care providers and can provide inaccurate medical information.

A point of contention in committee discussion focused on a clause in the bill that would allow the legislature to appoint intervenors in lawsuits challenging the law. Representative Clauston and others raised that the clause had been removed from a related bill in an earlier session because of separation‑of‑powers concerns. Representative Clauston moved to strike the clause (page 11, lines 8–11); that amendment failed on a committee vote.

After debate the committee approved HB 273 on a roll call. The clerk reported the vote as seven yeas and one excused. Sponsors and supporters said the bill aims to safeguard centers’ speech and operations; opponents said existing constitutional protections make the bill unnecessary and warned the litigation provision is problematic.

Ending

With the bill advanced, sponsors said they will carry HB 273 to the House floor. Opponents indicated they expect constitutional challenges if the law is enacted; committee debate left the contested litigation clause intact after the committee rejected an amendment to remove it.
","House Bill 273, the \"Pregnancy Care Center Autonomy and Rights\" (CARE) Act, was presented and advanced by the committee after debate. Sponsors said the bill prevents state or local officials from coercing pregnancy centers to refer for abortion or limiting their speech; opponents questioned necessity, cited First Amendment protections and raised","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wyoming committee hears hours-long debate over HB 269 to license naturopathic doctors; bill tabled for further work

Committee approves HB 188 to let two families share a nanny for up to four children

Committee advances HB 273 (CARE Act) protecting pregnancy resource centers; opponents argue bill is unnecessary and unconstitutional