Regulations for Naturopathy

 

As mentioned earlier, most countries prescribe laws to regulate the practice of Naturopathy; there are some countries where successive governments have not felt the need for any rules or regulations on the practice of Naturopathy. Australia is one such country. 

 

Officially, there are no rules that govern the practice of Naturopathy in the entire Australia. In fact, practitioners of Naturopathy do not have to attain so much as even a license for their practice. The practice of Naturopathy in the country is, in fact, self-regulated.  Unlike other countries, an individual has the freedom to practice Naturopathy. He is not required to take up a degree course or undergo any training to practice this form of medicine. 

 

Practicing naturopaths have formed various professional associations throughout Australia and these bodies are the only ones issuing some guidelines in the field of Naturopathy. Naturopaths can join these associations, but only after fulfilling some pre-requisites. These include undergoing a recognized course and acquiring a professional certificate. 

 

As of now, the only governmental laws that exist in relation to an alternate form of medicine are for the Chinese form of medicine. The laws regarding Naturopathy are much similar in United Kingdom. 

 

In the absence of any governmental regulation, the General Council & Register of Naturopaths has made it its responsibility to standardize the profession in the country. Three courses of naturopathy are recognized by this council. Members of this council are required to undergo a three to four-year course in naturopathy. Alternatively, interested individuals can also become healthcare professionals and then undergo a two-year Naturopathic diploma.

 

Countries such as India where there is a sizeable following of the treatment methods of naturopathy, the government has laid down several regulatory measures to ensure safe practice of this form of medicine. In fact, the Indian government has created an exclusive department in the Central Health Ministry to oversee the practice of Naturopathy and similar other forms of alternative medicine. 

 

With a view to promote further research in this field, the government of India has set up an autonomous body called Central Council for Research in Naturopathy and Yoga. Another government body, National Institute of Naturopathy, is responsible for creating professional guidelines and standards for the promotion of Naturopathy in the country. This institute is run by a governing body presided over by the Central Minister for Health. 

 

There are about 11 colleges in India that teach Naturopathy. The course duration is five-and-a-half years. Graduates from this programme are awarded Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS).

 

Naturopathy regulations exist in other continents as well. For instance, in North America, 16 US states and five Canadian provinces recognize the science of Naturopathy, and have set guidelines for its practice and propagation. These states and provinces allow a qualified naturopath to use the title of ‘doctor’. 

 

In Canada, provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan allow practice of Naturopathy within their boundaries. The province of British Columbia even allows a qualified and accredited doctor of Naturopathy to perform minor surgeries. 

 

In the United States, states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Hawaii, District of Columbia, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, as well as the territories of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands recognize Naturopathy. In all these states, a person wishing to practice Naturopathy as a primary healthcare provider has to get a degree in the science of Naturopathy from one of the accredited colleges. 

 

The states of Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington allow doctors of Naturopathy to also use prescription drugs as part of their treatment regimen. According to the state laws of Arizona, District of Columbia, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, doctors of Naturopathy can even perform minor surgeries.