by Karen Howard

There has never been a more important time for naturopathic medicine to realize the positive impact of state licensing laws that dictate a full scope of practice for qualified naturopathic doctors.  Why?  When Congress passed H.R.3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act they included new programs, new regulations, and new opportunities for the expansion of naturopathic medicine.  At the upcoming DC FLI, more than 165 physicians, educators and students will pound the halls of Congress to advocate for utilization of ND primary care services. 

The opportunities exist through public health programs and private health insurers.  Opportunities include, among others, the following:

• The expansion of public health services, primarily through the National Health Service Corps and expanded loan repayment programs.
   
• The creation of a high-risk pool for uninsured individuals within 6 months of enactment.  Clearly there are not enough primary care physicians to support these mandatory program.  NDs ability to participate in these programs is likely to be determined in regulation and/or state law.
   
• The addition of multiple general prevention and wellness programs including Community Transformation grants, a Health Aging, Living Well program for 55-64 year olds, grants for School-Based health clinics, and a pilot program at community health centers to design individualized wellness plans.
   
• Worksite Wellness programs to determine employer-based best practices and grant opportunities, along with enhanced tax incentives to encourage employers to create these programs.
   
• And “Non-discrimination in Health Care”  language enabling naturopathic doctors in licensed states will to be a part of major insurance offerings.  While coverage for services has not been specifically articulated, this provision opens the opportunity for millions of Americans to access quality primary care from licensed naturopathic doctors.  And it’s timely, given that states are grappling with the need to provide services to more people in an environment where primary care resources are growing increasingly scarce. 

Naturopathic doctors are perfectly poised to step in and serve the health care needs of the States as they work to implement this monumental and complex legislation.  The U.S. Department of labor defines naturopathic medicine as follows:  “Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.”  The new federal law includes “preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management” in the definition of Essential Health Benefits Package.  Naturopathic doctors have the training and skills to provide these essential health care services, and it makes good sense to look to NDs, as well as other non-MD/DO providers such as advanced practice registered nurses, psychologists, and physical therapists, to ensure that the growing needs of the American health care system are met.