Naturopathic doctors are currently regulated in 23 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. There, your doctor can perform a physical exam and order laboratory tests.
Lawmakers in New York state are currently debating a bill that would license naturopathic doctors in the state, provided they have the proper training.
Currently, New York naturopathic doctors like Amy Cole can only work as consultants. Cole says that as a naturopath, he often tries to identify the root cause of a disease by addressing a person’s diet or using natural substances.
“This is a frequently asked question, so the example I always give people is, for example, if someone came to me with acid reflux, I would say to them, ‘Let’s take this herb instead.’ That’s not what I’m saying.”About this drug for treating reflux esophagitis. I’d like to say, “Why does acid reflux occur in the first place?” ” says Cole.
Teresa Figueroa has been suffering from Cole’s disease for the past few months. The two have been working to address Ms. Figueroa’s hot flashes, which she believes have decreased dramatically since she met Cole.
“I’d rather have her as my primary care physician than my primary care physician in New York state, but unfortunately that’s not possible,” Figueroa said.
Cole has been practicing for 11 years. Prior to that, she attended an accredited naturopathic medical school where she took her national exam. Obtaining licensure in New York, she said, will help improve patient care and help people understand doctors’ medical training.
“Now in New York state, anyone can call themselves a naturopathic doctor or naturopath, and some people take weekend courses or 10-week online courses and even use that terminology.” Cole says. “The problem is, there’s no distinction between someone who did that and someone who went to school for eight years and passed the state licensing exam.”
Both the state Senate and Assembly versions of the bill are in committee.
