Tenacity is defined as the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose; "his determination showed in his every movement"; "he is a man of purpose." Clearly then, naturopathic medicine is the shining example of modern day tenacity. Against the odds, our volunteer advocates across the country continue on the quest to ensure every American has access to our highly skilled and trained NDs.
I am often asked what is the key to success in the state legislatures. Today success requires the tenacity of the profession, the passion of our volunteers, the wisdom of those who got us here – and credibility. Essentially, the strategy relies upon the integrity of an infrastructure founded by passionate and talented naturopathic doctors who serve in multiple capacities. The AANP advocacy works stands on the shoulders of the CNME, NABNE, and the quality education provided by our naturopathic colleges. The core of our power base rests with our schools, as exemplified by the recent tribute to Bastyr at the Washington State Senate.
Click here to view the passage of this amazing resolution. All our state efforts, in licensed and unlicensed jurisdictions, benefit from the outstanding reputation of our accredited institutions in the U.S. and Canada. My thanks to Bastyr, Boucher, CCNM, NCNM, NUHS, SCNM, and the University of Bridgeport for partnering in all of the work we do.
It is the graduates of these institutions that champion every effort we undertake in the states. Today I use Idaho as an example of the tenacity of our volunteer force. Since passage of licensure legislation, Idaho has been embroiled in controversy and work to ensure patient safety by championing the standards of the profession. This year’s effort to create compromise legislation to address the opposition of chiropractors and medical doctors could not be concluded before the end of the session. And yet, Idaho is closer than ever to achieving its goal to implement cogent regulations and issue licenses to appropriately trained providers.
Idaho has stood committed, not just to the standards of the medicine, but also to their colleagues across the nation with their understanding that every action has ramifications for the profession and its future. Complex as Idaho is, this is a state where NDs work together, consistently, regardless of how hard the journey is, to achieve the very best, not just to achieve a victory. They utilize every tool at their disposal – their seasoned veterans, new leaders, and an incredibly talented lobby team of Kris Ellis and Larry Benton. Idaho will have their victory, because Idaho can both lead and follow.
Every year states like Idaho experience enormous progress despite dwelling in unchartered and unfamiliar waters. Here are just a few highlights from this month’s work. For additional information we urge you to visit the
AANP website where weekly updates are posted with live links to the legislation.
Alaska…California…..Hawaii….Idaho….Illinois….Idaho….Massachusetts…..Missouri…..New Hampshire….New York….Ohio…..Oregon….Pennsylvania….Utah…..Virginia (done for the session)….Washington
Alaska – efforts to expand naturopathic scope of practice, obtain prescribing privileges, and serve the Medicaid population move forward! Alaska holds the distinction of being the one state across the country where the AMA is using the SOPP documents. Not one of the other 10 targeted professions has yet to experience the AMA and state medical society using the AMA documents to misrepresent their professions. And yet, our pioneers persevere. The next step is a House Labor and Commerce hearing on Friday, March 19.
Arizona - legislation to include Naturopathic Physicians in a pilot program for the State Medicaid program is moving forward. House Bill 2126 passed the Arizona State House of Representatives with a vote of 51-6. The Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association continues to impact the state with implementation of its legislative outreach strategy.
Iowa - Iowa Legislative Alert!
We need letters now from Iowans to support licensure of Naturopathic Physician bill SF2312/2262 in Iowa. The senate session ends in less than two weeks so we need your help now! If you are from or know anyone in Iowa have them support our bill via CapWiz or they can write to their local representative. They can also visit our
website or see us on
facebook. Thank you for your much needed help in passing legislation.
Click here to support biil.
Oregon – Another success! Passage of legislation to expand Oregon’s loan repayment program in rural communities to include naturopathic doctors.
Hawaii holds fast to the gains from last year. Illinois is bolding moving forward in the back yard of the AMA. California, fresh off last year’s dramatic legislative session, is demonstrating life after licensure as they move incrementally to refine their law. In Washington, the controlled substances act, passed in both Houses, now references “naturopathic physician.” And in Kansas they are one step closer to having licensure vs. registration.
Members can access a complete update on state legislative efforts at
www.naturopathic.org
