Naturopathic board seeks title protection and clearer authority as opponents warn of overreach

Dr. Dara Thompson, president of the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine, and executive officer Rebecca Mitchell said the board's priority is protecting consumers from unlicensed activity and clarifying statutory authority. They reported that more than 70% of their enforcement workload involves alleged unlicensed practice and described a recent fatality the board says underscores risks from unregulated activity.

Mitchell told the committee that consumer confusion is common when unlicensed practitioners use medical sounding titles; the board asked the legislature for title-protection authority and clearer tools to enforce against misrepresentation. The board indicated a majority of licensees practice in underserved areas and argued stronger authority would protect patients.

Stakeholder testimony split. Several naturopathic doctors and their association leaders supported title protection and expanded scope where advocated, arguing licensure protects patients and that confusion harms care. The California Medical Association and other opposing groups raised caution about proposed scope expansions (including furnishing drugs, controlled substances, vaccine administration without physician oversight) and urged more public-membership and oversight safeguards. Representatives of complementary and alternative health practitioner groups (iridologists, reflexologists, traditional naturopaths) argued the board lacks jurisdiction over their lawful practices under the Alternative and Complementary Health Care Act and urged the legislature to reaffirm statutory boundaries.

Committee members asked for clarification of the board's enforcement numbers and investigative timelines; consumer-protection advocates recommended restructuring board composition to increase public members and more routine inspections. The hearing closed with continued discussion expected; no formal votes occurred during the session.