Important Information

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  • You are required to report any change in name, business address (address of record) or mailing address to the Board within 14 days of that change. Complete the "Change of Name and/or Address" form from our web site and either mail or fax it. Or, e-mail us via the "Contact Us" button on our web site. Failure to provide change of address notification makes you subject to citation and fine.
  • NDs may train and employ Naturopathic Assistants. See our web site for training requirements and scope of practice. See "New Laws Effective January 1, 2011" on the "Laws & Regulations" page.
  • Licensed NDs may become a lab director and perform CLIA "waived" tests. Naturopathic Assistants may also perform those tests.
  • You may not use the term or title of "physician" on web sites, business cards, brochures, etc. Likewise, you cannot use the title of "Dr." without further using the title of "naturopathic doctor" (ND). Doing so may be considered unprofessional conduct by the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine to wit you can be cited, fined, and/or have your license suspended, and/or you may be reprimanded, or censured.
  • Aiding and abetting unlicensed persons in the practice of naturopathic medicine in California and assisting in the violation or conspiring to assist in violating the Naturopathic Doctors Act is defined as unprofessional conduct under Section 3662 of the Act and is punishable by citation and fine, and/or license suspension, and/or reprimand or censure.
  • Offering pre-paid health plans; i.e., offering consumers pre-paid services for a specified length of time, could be considered a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) which is regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care. See Health & Safety Code Section 1367 for more information.
  • Naturopathic Doctors may not write orders for or supervise registered nurses, physician assistants, or medical assistants. Doing so places you in violation of the Nursing Practice Act or the Medical Practices Act which could make you liable for citation and fine under those acts. (See bullet #2)
  • Medical marijuana is currently listed as a Schedule I drug by the Federal Drug Administration and may not be prescribed or recommended by naturopathic doctors under any circumstances. NDs may prescribe Schedule III thru V controlled substances only under MD/DO if they have a valid drug furnishing and DEA number.
  • NDs may not sign DMV disabled placard forms, may not sign state disability insurance forms (EDD), or bill or perform MediCal or MediCare services, including SSI or SSD physical evaluations.
  • When considering collaborative working arrangements, you should check the license status of all MDs, DOs, RNs, PAs, PTs, DCs, LAcs, etc. Go to www.dca.ca.gov and click on "Boards & Bureaus" under "Quick Hits".
  • Continuing education units are not required for your 1st license renewal. The Continuing Education Certification Requirements page of the License Renewal Notice must be completed on subsequent renewals. Do not include certificates of completion unless requested. Certificates must show the number of CME hours, approver, and should contain the provider's contact information in order that we may verify attendance.
  • Continuing education credits will only be accepted if the provider and class have been approved by the: California Naturopathic Doctor's Assoc., American Assoc. of Naturopathic Physicians, CA Board of Chiropractic Examiners, CA Pharmacy Board, or the class has been approved for CE for physicians and surgeons. Unapproved classes will NOT be accepted and your license will not be renewed until we receive your certification of classes approved by the above. Classes approved for the Acupuncture Board and classes approved by naturopathic medical colleges and other states' naturopathic boards are NOT acceptable for California NDs.