Senate creates licensure framework for naturopathic physicians, adds new natural medicine board

The Arkansas Senate on April 1 approved Senate Bill 117 to license naturopathic physicians, establish a Natural Medicine Board and allow a defined scope of practice for naturopathic physicians and acupuncturists.

Sponsor Sen. Clint Penzo said the measure aims to expand health-care options and align Arkansas with 23 other states and territories that license naturopathic physicians. The bill combines the current acupuncture board with a newly constituted board that will include naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists and public members.

Under the legislation, licensed naturopathic physicians would hold a doctorate-level education, receive clinical training and be allowed certain therapeutic routes of administration described in the bill. Penzo said the bill is intended to be complementary to allopathic and osteopathic services, emphasizing nutrition, preventive care and nonpharmaceutical approaches where appropriate.

On the floor, senators asked about educational standards, background checks and scope of practice. Sen. Urban asked whether a criminal-background check is included; Penzo agreed to clarify that language on the House side. Senator Blake Johnson and others asked about training and radiology ordering; Penzo said naturopathic doctors receive substantial curriculum (roughly 4,100 hours) including nutrition and may order studies but would not supplant specialists in reading images.

The measure passed by recorded vote and was transmitted to the House. Supporters said the change would expand patient choice and reduce costs by emphasizing preventive care and lifestyle-focused interventions; critics asked for careful rulemaking and confirmed background checks.

Ending: With the bill passed, the Natural Medicine Board will be created and agencies will work through rulemaking to set implementation details including licensure requirements, scope limits and any required background checks.