(The Center Square) – Natural medicine doctors want the state Legislature to make naturopathic medicine a licensed practice in Illinois.
Holistic medicine representatives held a press conference Wednesday at the state Capitol in Springfield to urge lawmakers for approval. House Bill 3721. This measure would create a license and scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Illinois. Illinois does not currently offer licenses for this occupation.
Shaon Hines of the Illinois Naturopathic Physicians Association explained what naturopathic medicine does.
“We are health care experts who combine the wisdom of nature with the rigor of modern science,” Hines said. “When a patient comes into our office, we can decide what’s best for them. It’s not one size fits all.”
Naturopathic client Christina Dillard has suffered from multiple ulcers in her mouth and eyes since her late 20s. She said her life has improved since seeing her naturopathic doctor.
“There’s been a huge change in my life, my health, my quality of life,” Dillard said. “We are no longer as limited as we were before. We are very happy with the cost savings.”
Hines said the proposed bill would provide health care options for Illinoisans and help prevent practicing naturopathic doctors from moving to other states.
“The people of Illinois should make this choice in their health care,” Hines said. “We are licensed in half of the United States, and we would like to bring this to Illinois as a medical option.”
Hines said there is currently a physician shortage in about 98 of Illinois’ 102 counties.
A bill to allow licensure in the profession is being proposed by state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, who said many residents in her district are dependent on this type of drug.
“The Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians has been a valued institution in Lombard for many years, and I am proud to sponsor this bill on their behalf,” Howard said. “I know that many of my constituents rely on naturopathic treatments to manage their chronic illnesses, and I appreciate this organization’s commitment to health care in our community.”
House Bill 3721 has been assigned to the Medical Licensing Committee.
