Regulatory Announcements

The Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OANP) filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against Health Net Health Plan of Oregon, Inc. (Health Net) and their contracted benefits provider American Specialty Health (ASH), alleging unlawful and discriminatory practices.

OANP executive director, Laura Farr explains: The lawsuit was filed on behalf of naturopathic physicians and their patients who allege that Health Net discriminates against Oregon licensed naturopathic physicians by denying claims for services provided by Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) that are otherwise covered when delivered by a different medical provider. The "Non Discrimination in Health Care" section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as "Section 2706" (42 U.S.C. § 300gg-5), prohibits insurance carriers from discriminating against health care providers acting within the scope of their license.

Starting, July 1, 2015, the new College of Naturopaths of Ontario will oversee and regulate the profession of naturopathy to ensure patients receive safe, quality health care services.

Bringing naturopathy under the Regulated Health Professions Act - the legislation that regulates 25 other health care professions in the province including physicians and nurses - will ensure that important safeguards are in place to protect patients.

The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors is offering a great opportunity to discover the many health-benefits of naturopathic medicine and natural approaches to health promotion and disease prevention. During the week of May 11-17, 2015, naturopathic doctors (NDs) across Canada will be conducting free public events at local book stores, community venues and in their own clinics. Presentations include: managing diabetes, stress reduction, digestive health, pregnancy, women's, men's and children's health and how naturopathic medicine can enhance your quality of life. For a complete listing of presentations in your area, please visit www.NaturopathicMedicineWeek.ca

There are 6.8 million people aged 12 and older who have used prescription drugs recreationally. To reduce the chance of prescription drug misuse or abuse within a household, AWAR_XE recommends disposing of unused, unwanted, or expired drugs in a timely fashion. The ability to find local medication disposal sites with AWAR_XE’s easy-to-use search tool will simplify this essential part of drug safety., AWAR_XE has launched a location-based search tool. Visitors who type an address, city, state, or zip code into the website’s new search tool will receive a list and map of the closest medication disposal sites. Law enforcement organizations, civic centers, and pharmacies are the most common sites where prescription drugs can be disposed of in a manner that is safe for family, friends, and the environment.

Dear Friends, We're back at it! We reintroduced our bill to license naturopathic doctors in Massachusetts January16, 2015. We have an additional lobbyist this time around and more angles on strategy. Please forward this to any of your Massachusetts contacts who would support our bill. Here is an info sheet if you need more info on the bill. Thanks a bunch for your ongoing love and support. Let's get this thing done!  

~ Amy Rothenberg ND, MSND President

Washington introduces Medical Marijuana Authorization Practice Guidelines

Here is the link to the full document.

Fantastic news – the US Senate, for the second year in a row, has passed AANP’s Naturopathic Week Resolution!  Naturopathic medicine is once again declared to be “safe, affordable, and effective.”

This year is even sweeter because it’s truly bipartisan…with Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and Independent Angus King of Maine joining Democratic Senators Tom Harkin of Iowa and Barbara Mikulski (our lead sponsor once again).

Special thanks go to Drs. Jaclyn Chasse and Tina Beaudoin, and the members of the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors, for their dedicated efforts to get Sen. Ayotte as a cosponsor.Now we can truly celebrate NMW in style!

Here’s the link to the AANP's NMW page.

During Naturopathic Medicine Week (May 12-18, 2014) naturopathic doctors across Canada will be teaching members of their community about the value of naturopathic medicine, healthy living and disease prevention.

Join naturopathic doctors in your area for free events and meet & greet sessions held at local book stores, community hubs and health clinics. Topics will include: a naturopathic doctor’s approach to stress, eating for energy and health, pregnancy, peri-menopause, digestive issues, and the benefits of naturopathic medicine

For information about specific local events, see the CAND website!

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