A bill that would allow naturopathic doctors to become licensed in Missouri passed its first hurdle Wednesday.
The House Occupational Registration and Licensing Committee voted 7-2 to pass the bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Doug Ritchie of Excelsior Springs.
Unlike Kansas and 22 other states, Missouri does not have licensing or registration laws for naturopathic doctors or primary care physicians who focus on holistic care.
“There’s been an ongoing discussion about the need to expand access to health care in both rural and urban areas, and this is something that we know works in the health care space,” Richie told The Independent in February. “There are other states that have formally recognised this.”
In states where the practice of naturopathic medicine is regulated, physicians must complete an accredited four-year naturopathic medical program and pass a post-doctoral board examination to become licensed or registered.
Ritchie’s bill was amended Wednesday to clarify that naturopaths would only be able to perform minor medical procedures, similar to family doctors. They also would not be allowed to perform surgery or prescribe opioids.
The Senate bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Nick Schroer of Defiance County, has not yet had a hearing.
Veterans services organization AMVETS sent a letter to Gov. Michael Parson on March 8 urging him to support the bill. Diana Johnson, AMVETS director for Missouri, said the presence of licensed naturopathic physicians is “critical” to providing comprehensive care to veterans in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Whole Health program.
“Until we are able to license these physicians in Missouri, veterans in this great state will continue to suffer from chronic pain and other illnesses,” Johnson said. “They will not have full access to naturopathic care or the opportunity to participate in the ‘Whole Health’ programs established by the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Dr. Emily Hudson, president of the Missouri Association of Naturopathic Doctors, estimates that more than a dozen naturopathic doctors currently practicing in Missouri could become licensed if they met the requirements of the proposed bill, and if the bill passes, she believes many more naturopaths will return to the state.
Hudson called the commission’s approval a “significant milestone” that will provide Missourians with access to licensed naturopathic physicians and allow for the inclusion of “safe, effective and naturally focused treatments” in veterans’ health care.
“This win demonstrates our collaborative efforts toward providing comprehensive care and celebrates the well-being of those who have served our nation,” Hudson said.
This story was published by the Missouri Independent, part of the States Newsroom.
