Doctor Shannon Braden advocates for HB147 supporting Alaska's naturopathic medicine regulations

During a recent meeting of the Alaska House Health and Social Services Committee, discussions centered on House Bill 147, which seeks to expand the prescription authority of naturopathic physicians in Alaska. This proposal has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding the safety and regulation of naturopathic practices compared to conventional medicine.

Dr. Shannon Braden, a licensed naturopathic doctor from Oregon and a board member of the Federation of Naturopathic Medicine Regulatory Authorities, presented compelling data to support the bill. She highlighted that in states where naturopathic doctors have broad prescriptive rights, such as Oregon, the rate of disciplinary actions against these practitioners is significantly lower than that of allopathic physicians (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs). Specifically, over a seven-year period, MDs faced disciplinary actions 11 times more frequently than naturopathic doctors, while DOs had twice the number of actions compared to their naturopathic counterparts.

Braden emphasized that from 2010 to 2024, there were no disciplinary actions against naturopathic doctors for inappropriate prescribing in states where they are allowed to prescribe a wide range of medications, excluding controlled substances like opioids. This data aims to alleviate concerns about the safety of expanding prescription authority for naturopathic physicians in Alaska.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing interest in integrating naturopathic medicine into the broader healthcare system, while also addressing the concerns of conventional medical professionals regarding the potential risks involved. As the committee continues to evaluate HB 147, the implications of this bill could significantly impact healthcare access and options for Alaskans seeking alternative medical treatments.

The meeting concluded without immediate questions from committee members, indicating a need for further consideration of the bill's provisions and the potential effects on the state's healthcare landscape. As the legislative process unfolds, the community will be watching closely to see how these discussions shape the future of healthcare in Alaska.