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Committee rejects bill to license naturopathic doctors in Arkansas
Summary
The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted down SB117, which would have licensed naturopathic doctors and placed them under a renamed “natural medicine” board. Supporters said licensure would increase access; opponents and health officials warned of cost, scope and patient-safety questions. The measure failed 9–11.
The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on April 2 rejected Senate Bill 117, a measure to license naturopathic doctors and expand their permitted practice in Arkansas.
Supporters said licensure would expand access to preventive and integrative care in a state with chronic health burdens. Senator Clint Penzo (sponsor) and Representative Wayne Long, R-39, told the committee licensing would let qualified practitioners work openly and permit insurance reimbursement. Mamie Burris, a naturopathic doctor who testified for the bill, said, “Licensing qualified naturopathic doctors in Arkansas will increase access to this safe, effective form of care and provide Arkansans with another option.”
Opponents and some health…
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