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Sponsor outlines licensure framework for naturopathic doctors in Ohio
Summary
A sponsor told the Senate Health Committee that Senate Bill 385 would create state licensure, education standards and consumer protections for naturopathic doctors while not expanding prescriptive authority, and committee members pressed for clarity on grandfathering of existing practitioners.
Senate Bill 385 would establish statewide licensure and regulatory standards for practitioners of naturopathic medicine, a sponsor told the Senate Health Committee.
The sponsor (S5) said the bill defines scope of practice for licensed naturopathic doctors, sets minimum education and clinical training requirements, establishes examination and licensure processes, and creates continuing‑education, disciplinary and consumer‑protection mechanisms. "The overall goal of the bill is to create a regulatory framework for naturopathic medicine to protect patient safety, set educational and clinical standards, and establish a licensure pathway for qualified practitioners," the sponsor said.
The sponsor emphasized the bill does not grant prescriptive privileges or expand the scope of practice for naturopathic physicians. "This is not an increase of scope bill," S5 said, adding that the intent is to "legitimize the practice of naturopathic medicine within Ohio" while protecting patients.
During committee questioning, Senator Ingram (S6) and other members sought clarification about how the bill would treat current practitioners who already provide naturopathic or holistic care without state licensure. S6 asked whether there would be a grandfathering provision or whether those practitioners would have to apply for licensure under the new standards.
The sponsor replied that the bill does not include an explicit grandfathering mechanism; individuals may pursue licensure through the established accreditation pathway or continue practicing in other, non‑licensed forms but may not represent themselves as licensed naturopathic physicians. "The intent of the bill is not to stop those folks from doing what they're doing already," S5 said, "it seeks to categorize and license, and establish training standards for that licensure."
The committee asked staff to work with interested parties and the State Medical Board to refine language addressing transition provisions and consumer protections. The chair recessed discussion after members indicated no further questions. The committee did not take a vote during this hearing.
