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

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…