Senate advances bill to let naturopathic physicians prescribe testosterone after heated debate

Senators on the Utah Senate floor debated House Bill 108, a measure that would allow naturopathic physicians to prescribe testosterone to restore low hormone levels, before passing the measure for further action.

Senator Stoll, the bill sponsor, told colleagues the change aligns naturopathic practice with existing authority to prescribe estrogen and said the request followed testimony and committee review. “Testosterone is a hormone, not a pain killer,” Stoll said, arguing that naturopaths are trained to manage the therapy and that allowing them to prescribe the drug helps primary-care access for male patients.

Opponents pressed the sponsor on scope and safety. Senator Dayton said she opposed the expansion, asking directly whether the concerns about athlete misuse had been resolved and whether allowing one scheduled drug could open the door to others. “I would speak with caution about this bill,” Dayton said, warning that redefining the profession’s drug schedule could lead to further requests.

Senator Robles urged support as part of broader health-care choice and said the House had substantial backing for the change. The sponsor said future requests for additional drugs would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The transcript records a roll call and recorded outcome after debate; the bill was advanced. Because parts of the vote text in the transcript are unclear, the Senate action record in this package lists the recorded floor action as documented (see actions array for the exact transcript text and vote status). The bill will be returned to the House as required by the legislative process.