Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Scope Of Practice topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs bill to relicense naturopathic doctors, drawing divided testimony on safety and scope
Summary
SB 688 would reestablish licensure and a regulatory board for naturopathic doctors in Florida; supporters described complementary care and access benefits, while medical groups and some senators raised concerns about scope and potential delays in care for serious conditions.
The Senate Committee on Health Policy voted to report favorably SB 688, a bill that reestablishes licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida by redesignating a chapter of statute and creating a Board of Naturopathic Medicine.
Sponsor Senator Rodriguez said the bill would provide licensure by examination for doctoral‑level naturopathic physicians, set renewal and continuing education requirements, and define a scope that excludes prescriptive authority for legend drugs. "These practitioners are meant to treat the patient, diagnose, they can run laboratories," Rodriguez said, while stressing safeguards that require referral when care exceeds scope.
Testimony split the room. Patients and advocates described improved access and complementary care: a two‑time breast‑cancer survivor said naturopathic care had been an important adjunct during treatment. Practitioners and supporters argued licensed naturopaths would help fill care gaps, especially in underserved areas. Skeptical senators and some medical groups warned about diagnostic limits, non‑evidence‑based treatments and the risk of delaying evidence‑based care for serious disease; Senator Masullo suggested tighter collaboration requirements with physicians as a possible compromise.
After debate and technical amendments narrowing some language, the committee reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute.
