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Sen. Clint Penzo withdraws push to license naturopathic doctors after committee questions; sponsor to revise
Summary
Senate Bill 117 to license naturopathic doctors drew hours of testimony and questions about board composition, training standards and fiscal impacts. Sponsor Senator Clint Penzo withdrew a motion to pass and said he will return with amendments and a requested fiscal analysis.
Senator Clint Penzo, sponsor of Senate Bill 117, introduced the measure to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee as an effort “to increase access to health care, lower costs, and provide choices for Arkansans,” saying the bill would allow licensure of naturopathic physicians in Arkansas.
The bill drew detailed testimony from Mamie Burris, who identified herself as a Vermont-licensed naturopathic doctor and an Arkansas-licensed acupuncturist. Burris described her training and clinical experience and urged the committee to “please vote in favor of SB 117 to license qualified naturopathic doctors in Arkansas.” She and other supporters said licensure would standardize training, protect patients from practitioners with minimal training, and expand access in underserved areas.
Opponents included Scott…
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