Survey for Sunrise Review of SB 5411-The Naturopathic Scope of Practice
The preliminary report from the WA Department of Health regarding the Sunrise review of SB 5411-the naturopath scope of practice, has been released and the findings do not support the proposed scope expansions by the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Key findings of the preliminary report:
- Does not demonstrate sufficient minimum education and training to safely prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances. Though naturopathic programs include foundational didactic training in pharmacology, the clinical training occurs mainly in naturopathic clinics under supervision of naturopathic physicians. Naturopathic programs do not require clinical training in diverse health care settings or exposure to specific patient populations or conditions, such as pediatric patients, patients with specific health conditions, and/or patients on pain management medication.
- The other states that grant authority to prescribe controlled substances limit NDs to Schedule III-V or specific formularies and include safeguards such as collaboration or supervision by MDs, additional or continuing education, an additional pharmacology examination, and oversight by the state medical board.
- The proposed definition of "minor office procedures" is vague and subject to a wide range of interpretations. The department cannot evaluate adequate training without knowing what specific procedures would be included in this definition.
- The Board of Naturopathy does not include providers with sufficient expertise to evaluate what additional education and training is needed to safely expand the ND scope of practice.
- Providing primary care includes coordination of care and referrals when needed. Referrals for controlled substances are often necessary because of their significant risks to public health due to overdose, abuse, and misuse. This is especially true in long-term opioid therapy of behavioral health treatment, to ensure only the most qualified health care professionals are prescribing these substances.
You can view the draft report, proposal documents, and public comments the department has received on the sunrise review web page.
The department is now requesting your input on the draft recommendations. Please use this survey to provide your input on the draft report by August 31st. This is the last opportunity to comment before the department finalizes the report.
Once the comment period ends, the department will:
- Analyze the comments received
- Make changes to the report, if needed
- Obtain department leadership and Office of Financial Management approval
- Submit the final report to the legislature, and post it on the sunrise review web page
- Send a notice of the final report to profession GovDelivery lists and interested parties who provided comments
If you have questions, please email sunrise@doh.wa.gov
