BILL NO. 177
(as introduced)
2nd Session, 60th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
57 Elizabeth II, 2008
Naturopathic Doctors Act
The Honourable Michael G. Baker, Q.C.
Lunenburg
First Reading: May 20, 2008
Second Reading: May 26, 2008
Third Reading: May 27, 2008 (LINK TO BILL AS PASSED)
An Act Respecting Naturopathic Doctors
WHEREAS it is desirable to protect the public against unqualified individuals practising naturopathic medicine;
AND WHEREAS greater protection to the public can be provided by prescribing the minimum qualifications of individuals using the title "Naturopathic Doctor" or a similar title;
THEREFORE be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:
1 This Act may be cited as the Naturopathic Doctors Act.
2 The purpose of this Act is to
(a) provide assurance to the public that individuals representing themselves as practising the profession of naturopathic medicine as naturopathic doctors have prescribed minimum qualifications, thereby protecting the public health and safety from harm; and
(b) provide legal recognition to naturopathic medicine as a health profession.
(a) "accredited naturopathic school" means a naturopathic medical program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education;
(b) "Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors" means the not-for-profit association providing national representation to naturopath students and professionals enrolled in or graduates of an accredited four-year, post-graduate level, naturopathic medical program;
(c) "Council on Naturopathic Medical Education" means the programmatic accrediting agency for naturopathic medical education accepted by the four-year naturopathic colleges and programs in Canada and the United States of America, by the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners;
(d) "Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination" means the examination that graduates of one of the accredited four year naturopathic schools must successfully complete for certification by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners;
(e) "naturopathy" means the assessment of diseases, disorders and dysfunctions and the naturopathic diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders and dysfunctions using naturopathic techniques to promote, maintain or restore health.
4 No person shall engage in the practice of naturopathy or use the title "Naturopath", "Naturopathic Practitioner" or "Naturopathic Doctor", or any word, title or designation, abbreviated or otherwise, to imply that that person is engaged in the practice of naturopathy, unless that person
(a) is a graduate of an accredited naturopathic school;
(b) has passed both the basic science and clinical portion of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination;
(c) holds a licence to practise naturopathic medicine issued by a province of Canada that licenses naturopathic medicine;
(d) has malpractice insurance coverage;
(e) is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors; and
(f) is a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
5 Nothing in this Act applies to or prevents
(a) the practice by a person of any other health discipline recognized by statute; or
(b) the use of the title "Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine", or like designation intended to imply a person is engaged in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
6 Every person who contravenes this Act is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than fifteen thousand dollars for a first offence and not more than thirty thousand dollars for a second or subsequent offence.
7 This Act comes into force on such day as the Governor in Council orders and declares by proclamation.
This page and its contents published by the Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and © 2008 Crown in right of Nova Scotia. Created June 6, 2008. Send comments to legc.office@novascotia.ca.
