Review of State Laws Regulating Naturopathy

In the U.S., Naturopathy is regulated at the state level, and laws vary widely from one state to another.  They can generally be grouped into three categories:

  1. States that require state licenses to practice;
  2. States that offer (but do not require) licenses, and;
  3. States that neither offer nor require licenses.

The states listed below have relatively strict laws that require state-issued licenses to practice.

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Washington, D.C
  • New Hampshire
  • Maryland
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington

In the following states you an practice with restrictions:

  • California – Requires state licenses for only those practitioners who use the titles of “Naturopathic Doctor,” “Naturopathic Physician,” or their abbreviations, “ND” or “NP.”
  • Minnesota – can practice as a Complementary & Alternative Health Care Practitioner
  • Colorado – can practice as a Complementary & Alternative Health Care Practitioner
  • New Mexico- Legislation passed in 2009, HB664, allows for the use of Complementary & Alternative Healthcare Practitioner, no license required. SB135 passed in 2019, requires a license for the use of Naturopathic Doctor title. However you may use the term Naturopath as long as you make it clear to your clients you are not a licensed Naturopathic Doctor.
  • Idaho – In 2019, Idaho passed legislation H0244, requiring a license to use the titles – Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Physician of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor, or NMD. Those whose practice does not include minor surgery or prescription drugs can use the titles- Naturopath, Naturopathic Doctor or ND and are not required to be licensed.
  • Wisconsin – WI legislation permits the title Naturopath to practice but it regulates the use of ND. There are several titles available for use to practice as a Traditional Naturopath.
  • Pennsylvania – In 2016, PA passed Act 128 (the Naturopathic Doctor Registration Act). The Act regulates Registered Naturopathic Doctors. There are no restrictions on using the initials ND nor are Unregistered Naturopaths regulated by the Act.

In the following states it is unlawful to practice Naturopathy:

  • Florida
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee