Bill to license Idaho naturopathic doctors heads to governor

Legislation creating a licensing path in Idaho for naturopathic medical doctors is heading to the governor.

The Senate voted 32-2 Tuesday to approve the bill that will allow the state to issue licenses to those who have graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical school and have passed exams.

Backers say the legislation will allow licensed naturopathic medical doctors to order lab tests and prescriptions that can be filled by pharmacists. Pharmacists are not allowed to fill prescriptions from non-licensed naturopathic medical doctors.

Those opposed to the bill say naturopathic doctors in Idaho who didn’t graduate from accredited medical schools won’t be able to get a license. Those naturopathic doctors will still be able to offer their services in Idaho, however.

The bill previously passed the House.