Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on May 3, 2012

Click here to view bill details.

I would like to understand what is being defined as a Naturopathic Physician...more precise, what occupations are defined as Naturopathic Physicians.

 

House Bill No. 5594 will only benefit the 9 Medical Naturopaths in Michigan, and will put over 400 Traditional Naturopaths out of business. This bill, additionally, will limit the scope of practice of hundreds of herbalists and other natural healthcare providers . This bill ensures that  hundreds of current students and/or alumni  will remain jobless.

House Bill No. 5594 will encourage aspiring Naturopath students to look to other states for schooling, pulling more people out of Michigan. This bill is anti-competitive, over-regulatory, job-killing, harmful, useless and limits the rights of our people to choose their healthcare provider.

Do not pass House Bill No. 5594.

As member of the American Naturopaths Association, Student of Naturopathy, practitioner in healthcare, and client of Natural Healthcare Practitioners, I oppose this bill.

 

 Anyone who goes through a Medical Naturopathic Program that the bill specifies. There are currently only a few schools that qualify in the country. None are located in Michigan. "Naturopathic Physician" can't prescribe most pharmaceuticals and don't perform major surgeries. They often prescribe diet, supplements, and other natural therapies. Traditional Naturopaths are often more qualified in these natural therapies but will be severely restricted by this bill.

Naturopathic "medicine" as defined by this bill is far too broad - the language of the bill infringes on numerous other very well established professions within Michigan, representing families, businesses, and State Licensed Schools which far, far outnumber the 9 "naturopathic physicians" who graduated from schools on the Pacific coast and western reaches of the country.

This tiny handful of practitioners (behind this bill) also have been regularly practicing in Michigan for decades- there is NO NEED for them to be licensed. They have businesses, clinics, clients. This is a political move which in no way changes their ability to provide services to their clientele- the bill merely crushes their competition- and we live in a democracy which allows COMPETITION AS A SPECIFIC RIGHT.

Passage of this bill as written would give 9 selfish people a "scope of practice" that is laughably breathtaking in definition- it would make them , essentially, the sole "natural healers" of the State of Michigan! This in turn takes away livelihood from over 350-400 practitioners, each with established practices within communities all over the state.

Bear in mind that Traditional Naturopaths (as ND's, CTN, and other designations) practice successfully in all 50 states.

I and those I represent- the American Naturopaths Association; the State Licensed "Naturopathic School of the Healing Arts " (established 4 years in Michigan, and approved by several national agencies ), my students, my client contact list of over 300 people and their extended families- OPPOSE this bill and will work to kill it- I will testify, and I will invite others to stand up for their health freedoms and work for their rights within our State. We work in association with the Michigan Natural Health Coalition - an organization which proposes a better, more democratic, and socially just bill to extend Health Freedoms to Michigan citizens.

I find it hypocritical that one of the "9" naturopathic physicians who is behind this bill advertises her practice , "Hygeia Center", as one standing on a foundation of social justice.

I find it reprehensible that a wealthy school, Bastyr, in Washington State, is financially and politically behind this bill, and behind the history of this movement and general bill intentions and language. The previous Rep who sponsored this bill- had a son at Bastyr- who was SHE representing??

A few other states have unwittingly "rolled over' and allowed such bills to pass- even though their true Traditional Naturopaths continue to practice!)- but we in Michigan have no intention of doing so. We will work to educate our representatives and communities to better understand the issues and refrain from putting working professionals in Michigan out of their jobs.

We will continue to develop Traditional Naturopathy, practices, and education and titles in Michigan and beyond.

www.americannaturopathsassociation.org American Naturopaths Association

www.naturopathicschoolofannarbor.net Naturopathic School of the Healing Arts, Ann Arbor, Michigan

American Naturopathic Certification Board

What about the two State Licensed Schools for Traditional Nautopaths, that Michigan already supports? These schools employ and educate!

In reply to the question by " Jwillii "

As the founder and director of a State Licensed School here in Michigan, Naturopathic School of the Healing Arts classifies us , and our curriculum, as "naturopathic medicine" in all data files. The bill seeks to control the very nature of "defining"- that is the point of the bill- to supercede what the State of Michigan already has in place, and to quash those who have for decades, and by virtue of their educational and professional accomplishments, are defined as naturopaths.

The bill is attempting REVISIONISM.

Read over the bill, they spell out an extremely narrow scenario defining them, precisely, as the sole practitioners of natural healing in Michigan.

However, if you want to understand what Naturopathy ACTUALLY IS, (and shall remain), please visit www.americannaturopathsassociation.org, and www.naturopathicschoolofannarbor.net.

IN reply to "healthfreedom" -

Yes, the State of Michigan ALREADY DEFINES , (and the citizens of Michigan support as clients and students) for all purposes, naturopathy- this bill seeks to change that to claim the definition ALL FOR THEIR OWN, and to take away what is a very generic term about natural healing from literally hundreds of other practitioners, including the herbalists and midwives, adding them to the existing naturopaths.

This bill would like to see the Two Schools which employ and educate "go away'. But that won't happen!

Our two established Naturopathic Schools alone impact over 100 Michigan families economically. The bill proposes to support NOBODY in Michigan economically- BUT A FEW SCHOOLS OUT WEST WILL BE SUPPORTED!

In this time of such political instability, freedoms and the right to choose must be protected. Taking health care and education options away from people during a time when the financial situations of people are also unstable is oppressive and wrong. This bill needs more clarity in its definition. What is a "Naturopathic Physician"? Just by logical definition of the word "natural", this licensure attempt MUST include the input and validation of Traditional Naturopaths who work in a truly natural and wholistic way. A "Doctor" who uses pharmaceutical medications in their practice should not, logically be labeled a Natural physician. Furthermore, a Traditional Naturopath has a much broader and diverse education than a Medical Naturopath will, on methods and protocols that truly originate from a holistic philosophy. As a practicing Traditional Naturopathic Intern, I have had success in helping people to heal and rejuvenate their bodies over situations where modern medicine fell short and left them in defeat and fear. I have more and more people coming to me everyday looking for a safe and natural option to their health care. People that do not want to be on medication and know there is a safer option. People who are tired of the fear mongering and control. If this bill excludes Naturopaths like me, that essentially excludes the hundreds if not thousands of people who desire to heal and empower themselves, independent of a system that would rather control and poison them. Modern medicine has not been in practice for more than 250 years. That is not enough time to convince me that it is the "only way". Traditional, natural methods have been in practice since the beginning of human time and proven by the strong genetic structure we came into modern times with. General health is on a decline. BECAUSE we have detached so irresponsibly from nature. I am graduating in a week from my Traditional Naturopathic school, here in Michigan. The experience has been life changing and I have made every effort to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. I am profoundly healthier than when I started the program. I have improved mental and emotional states of well being, I am full of energy and vitality. I have taken a few along for the ride; my mother and a few of my closest friends. They too, with my guidance, have healed immensely form conditions that modern medicine left them in defeat in fear. I was lucky to have a strong head start. I was birthed by traditional midwives here in Michigan, who thankfully educated my mother about the dangers of vaccination. I attend my local farmers market every weekend, where my birthing midwife sells food from her farm. It is a strong knit family community. We will not stand idly by while politicians try to take away our FREEDOM FOR HEALTH. People have the right to choose where they go for their health care. The government should never have their hands on, in or anywhere near anyone's right to health.

This bill is a wolf in sheep's clothing. On its surface, it *seems* to strive to legitimize naturopathic medicine, but instead, in actuality, limits the definition and practice of naturopathy, and ultimately, would steal jobs, livelihood, and the future from hard-working Michigan citizens. This bill only serves the greediness of a small group of people, ten in number, and leaves out the nearly 400 strong practicing naturopaths already contributing to the health of Michigan's economy through their thriving practices.

I am about to graduate from a comprehensive, well-grounded graduate program in naturopathy at the Naturopathic School of the Healing Arts in Ann Arbor, a state-licensed, proprietary institution entering its fourth year in Michigan. We as a state desperately need to support such schools in their endeavors to bring vitality and growth back to Michigan, a state which has seen its economy stymied since 2008 and before. This bill would threaten the ability of graduates from this program as well as from the other state-licensed, proprietary naturopathic school in Michigan, from developing their careers and contributing to the economic recovery of Michigan.

I am a client of a traditional naturopathic doctor in the Detroit area. I have been seeing this healer for four years, and during that time, have seen my health greatly improve. I am very concerned that this bill, if passed, would limit the ability of this wonderful healer to help me, my family and friends. My traditional naturopathic doctor attended a state-licensed proprietary naturopathic school here in Michigan, and chose to stay and practice in Michigan, for which I am grateful. The kind of approaches she suggests for natural healing are desperately needed as an alternative to the drugs-and-surgery approach suggested to me over and over by conventional doctors I've seen.

I have suffered from debilitating migraines since I was 18, and since working with this remarkable healer, my migraines have gradually diminished in intensity and frequency. She uses gentle, non-invasive methods, which is a welcome alternative to the strong prescription medications I had been on for years. I have referred family and friends to her, and she, too, has given me suggestions to work with other natural healing practitioners in my area. In this way, we have done our own small part to support Michigan's economy. I would hate for this bill to threaten my naturopathic doctor's growing business, and feel her work is invaluable, and worthy of respect. This bill does not respect the many other naturopathic doctors already working in Michigan, and would further threaten Michigan's struggling economy. From what I understand, it only serves the greedy purposes of a small group of people, who were actually educated outside of our fair state, seeking to limit the abilities of traditional naturopaths in favor of those who are more aligned with conventional medicine, instead of helping people like my Michigan-educated naturopathic doctor and her colleagues.

I am a recent graduate of the state licenced Naturopathic School of the Healing Arts Ann Arbor, and practicing Traditional ND in Saline Mi.  I am writing to opose bill 5594 for it is unfair, takes away job opportunities and it's an imposition on the freedom for health of the citizens of this state.  From what I hear, this bill is imposed by a small group of 10 people over a majority of over 400 Naturopaths in Michigan that service over 4000 people already.  People have been using nature and its elements for healing since the beginings of time.  Think of those people who cannot afford the side effects of man made drugs. They need help and they need natural remedies, that are gentle and nourishing to their already poisend bodies.

Wake up people, don't let them take the freedom of choice from you.

Simona

 I have been licensed/Registered as a Naturopath since 1997 in the District of Columbia and now in North Carolina (Privilege License). I am also an acknowledged Tribal Medicine Practitioner by the ONAC Native American Church. I have regionally accredited training in the Health Sciences as well as Natural Health. Further I have military experience in various occupations of Patient Care, Behavioral Science, and other Medical Specialties from 1970-1993. That being stated, I did not receive the [qualified] training as required by this legislation and therefore would be prohibited from practice in a state that [did not provide] the educational opportunities in the field of Naturopathy within an accredited format. This Legislation discriminates against those who resided in and participated in STATE Licenced Institutions in favor of those Migrating to the state, non resident and attending out of state institutions. Within this legislation, there is a section that even implies a prohibition to one who has been or is currently training in Traditional Naturopathy (within State Licensed Institutions) from providing Sec. 17115. (C) (v) HEALTH EDUCATION OR HEALTH COUNSELING.

While I am supportive of Licensing for the purpose of Pubhlic Health and Safety, I believe that this legislation goes too far and tends to criminialize or punish those who elected to remain within the state and have practiced [prior] to the implementation of the law if passed. There exists [no] Grandfather Clause to protect those who would be displaced economically, educationally, and professionally. This legislation strips them of current used Titles of Profession by granting sole ownership to the [NEW] Board that of what has been used prior to the inception of the law, if approved. Titles such as "Naturopath", "Naturopathic Health Care","Naturopathy", and "N.D" currently in use in the State.

Proposal of Compromise: Create the Licensing Board to tend to "LICENSED Naturopathic Physicians and Doctors" with legal Letters of "N.M.D" under "(2) ...Titles, or Letters..." Create a sub catagory to establish a "REGISTERED Naturopath Health Care Practitioner" with a legal Letters of "N.H.C. (R)." The secondary catagory likened to that of a Physician Assistant, with an 18 month Internship under a Licensed N.M.D., after which, eligibility to sit for the NPLEX is granted for Part I & Part II. Professional Designation thereafter "CERTIFIED Naturopathic Practitioner" with legal letters of N.P. (C). This would offer a bridge program for those who are already providing professional services in Naturopathy. It does not discriminate through prohibiting one from current practice causing them to loose their employment, but rather, secures their employment and allows for a transition to equal standing based on competencies validated through the NPLEX. This is a Win-Win strategy that protects all parties while ensuring the Safety and Health of the Public throug a standard of educational and skill competencies.

I appreciate you taking the time to not only weigh in with a perspective, but to offer a compromise of sorts. In order that any future readers may be able to take all of our remarks in context, my answer is as follows: The issue as we see it, is that we ARE naturopathic doctors, just not medical doctors- nor to we wish to be medical doctors. We are not physicians "assistants"- we are actually natural physicians.

That is our identity. It will continue to evolve as our identity.

We don't train for the NPLEX - we train for our own exams.

And while I fully agree that the medical naturopaths should find another credential- NMD seems suitable and is already used through Schools in Arizona, for example- most of us - thousands of us- are already using the designation ND and have no real reason to relinquish it, particularly at this time of accelerating awareness and traditional naturopathy practice. Skill and Competency continues to evolve and be of great importance to our profession. It wasn't that long ago that medical doctors lacked associations, standards, and used barbaric methods, and nurses too had to organize and evolve to gain the credibility they have. We have it too- and we will have much more of it in the future, just as they were confident they would.

I do realize that what you are suggesting has been done (at least the NP designation part) in other states- perhaps California comes to mind as accepting this designation, although I do not think they accepted all of these terms you describe, for I have checked practitioners websites over the years. I do feel this is a real sell-out as well.

Public Health is not at risk with our practices, as we do not diagnose allopathic medical diseases , nor do we intrusively "treat" them. We do not, for example, wish to prescribe drugs or perform surgery as many medical "naturopaths" wish to do- and have expressed in our presence that they wish to do. As medical naturopaths take pains to point out, we educate and counsel first- although in their propaganda they infer that that is all we do. We also assess, provide naturopathic physical medicine, provide healing protocols and plans, follow up, and work through numerous recognized modalities.

Our compromise : to abolish ALL LANGUAGE in ANY MEDICAL NATUROPATHIC licensure bills which would discredit traditional naturopaths and their practices, by inferring that because we follow OUR CODE , and not THEIR CODE, we are somehow second class citizens and lower level practitioners. Your compromise - to suggest we "apprentice under" someone who doesn't even share our training, our values, and our essential classical education and health care model- makes no sense.

It is true that the intent of THE BILL strips many traditional naturopaths of their long standing rights and place within the economic and professional social order. It is also true that we will continue to oppose such bills and educate the public about the reality of our evolving profession. I remember hearing one medical naturopath proudly say her profession "was not evolving"- distressing though that is, I now see them calling themselves "traditional " naturopaths- that seems like a bit of backhanded evolution to me .

It was a relief , for the time being ( I am sure they will return again and try to pass their bill- they have never shown any sign of compromise, in fact this bill is quite Draconian) - and all the more due to the efforts we put into it- calling reps, setting up appointments, sending letters and e mails.

If you, Robbing Peter, are connected to the traditional naturopath community, we - the American Naturopaths Association and also the related Michigan community of active traditional naturopaths - would invite you to help us, contact us- get into our list for activist assistance. And , of course, support the ANA with your membership - your membership in our cause, which is your cause, is always welcome ! www.americannaturopathsassociation.org

I also wish to make a suggestion to all readers and those who post- please feel free to use your actual name and any credentials. There is no reason for us to hide behind assumed names- in fact, it is all the more powerful for all of us to come forward, celebrating our identities. That is more than half of what this struggle is about.

Sincere Regards,

Mary Light, ND MH, LMT