MINNEAPOLIS, June 26, 2008—As part of legislative changes recently adopted to regulate the practice of naturopathic medicine, the Minnesota Department of Health is convening a work group to develop recommendations to further define the scope of practice of naturopathic practitioners who have postgraduate degrees in naturopathic medicine.

The work group, for which the MMA has authority to appoint one member, will consider issues such as:

• the appropriate level of regulation for practitioners with a postgraduate degree in naturopathic medicine;
• the definitions to be used for the recommended regulatory scheme to ensure the distinction between the practice of naturopathic medicine and the practice of traditional naturopathy;
• the level of education and training, including appropriate credentialing of educational programs for the postgraduate degree level of practice;
• the scope of practice for naturopathic practitioners with a postgraduate degree in naturopathic medicine that would be exclusive to these practitioners and would reflect the level of education and training. The scope of practice must acknowledge and ensure the continued practice of all complementary and alternative health practices, including naturopathy, currently practiced under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 146A;
• the appropriate regulatory authority, including the possible establishment of a new regulatory board; and
• any other regulatory requirements for naturopathic medicine the work group deems necessary.

The work group is expected to convene in mid July and its work must be completed by December 2008.

MMA members interested in serving on the naturopath work group are asked to submit their names and a statement of interest/expertise by July 2, 2008 to Dave Renner, the MMA's director of State and Federal Legislation, at DRenner@mnmed.org.