Alaska 33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Status: In Committee 2 R cosponsors

HB 115 — An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy; establishing the Naturopathy Advisory Board; relating to the licensure of naturopaths; relating to disciplinary sanctions for naturopaths; relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date.

Last action — (H) Minutes (HFIN)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 33rd Legislature (2023-2024). It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

483 added · 480 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill HB 115 has made a few key changes, such as renaming the "Naturopathy Board" to the "Naturopathy Advisory Board" and shifting the authority of appointments from the governor to the commissioner of commerce. Additionally, the advisory board is required to meet at least once a year to provide recommendations, adding a level of accountability to its functions. These changes enhance oversight and clarify the board's role in shaping policies related to naturopathy, which could ultimately improve public health standards in the field.

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33-LS0631\U CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO.
33-LS0631\A HOUSE BILL NO.
115(L&C) IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION BY THE HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE Referred:
115 IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION BY REPRESENTATIVES PRAX, Wright, Stapp Introduced:
Finance Sponsor(s):
3/17/23 Referred:
REPRESENTATIVES PRAX, Wright, Stapp A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy;
Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce, Finance A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy;
establishing the Naturopathy Board;
establishing the Naturopathy Advisory Board;
(a) An acupuncturist licensed under AS 08.06, an audiologist or speech- language pathologist licensed under AS 08.11, a behavior analyst licensed under AS 08.15, a person licensed in the state as a chiropractor under AS 08.20, a professional counselor licensed under AS 08.29, a dentist under AS 08.36, a dietitian or nutritionist licensed under AS 08.38, a naturopath licensed under AS 08.45, a massage therapist licensed under AS 08.61, a marital and family therapist licensed under AS 08.63, a medical practitioner or osteopath under AS 08.64, a direct-entry midwife certified under AS 08.65, a registered or advanced practice registered nurse HB0115b -1- CSHB 115(L&C) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U under AS 08.68, an optometrist under AS 08.72, a licensed pharmacist under AS 08.80, a physical therapist or occupational therapist licensed under AS 08.84, a psychologist under AS 08.86, or a clinical social worker licensed under AS 08.95, shall use as professional identification appropriate letters or a title after that person's name that represents the person's specific field of practice.
(a) An acupuncturist licensed under AS 08.06, an audiologist or speech- language pathologist licensed under AS 08.11, a behavior analyst licensed under AS 08.15, a person licensed in the state as a chiropractor under AS 08.20, a professional counselor licensed under AS 08.29, a dentist under AS 08.36, a dietitian or nutritionist licensed under AS 08.38, a naturopath licensed under AS 08.45, a massage therapist licensed under AS 08.61, a marital and family therapist licensed under AS 08.63, a medical practitioner or osteopath under AS 08.64, a direct-entry midwife certified under AS 08.65, a registered or advanced practice registered nurse HB0115a -1- HB 115 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A under AS 08.68, an optometrist under AS 08.72, a licensed pharmacist under AS 08.80, a physical therapist or occupational therapist licensed under AS 08.84, a psychologist under AS 08.86, or a clinical social worker licensed under AS 08.95, shall use as professional identification appropriate letters or a title after that person's name that represents the person's specific field of practice.
Naturopathy Board.
Naturopathy Advisory Board.
(a) The Naturopathy Board is established in the department.
(a) The Naturopathy Advisory Board is established in the department.
(b) The board may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(b) The board shall meet at least once each year as requested by the commissioner and provide recommendations to the commissioner on public policy, the adoption of regulations, and other matters related to the exercise of the functions of the department under this chapter.
(c) The board consists of five members, who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor, and shall include one public member, two naturopaths licensed under this chapter, one pharmacist, and one doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine.
(c) The board consists of five members, who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the commissioner, and shall include one public member, two naturopaths licensed under this chapter, one pharmacist, and one doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine.
(e) In this section, "commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development.
Sec.
HB 115 -2- HB0115a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A Sec.
CSHB 115(L&C) -2- HB0115b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U (2) submit to the department the person's fingerprints and the fees required by the Department of Public Safety under AS 12.62.160 for the department to forward to the Department of Public Safety toain a report of criminal justice information under AS 12.62.160 and a national criminal history record check under AS 12.62.400;
(2) submit to the department the person's fingerprints and the fees required by the Department of Public Safety under AS 12.62.160 for the department to forward to the Department of Public Safety toain a report of criminal justice information under AS 12.62.160 and a national criminal history record check under AS 12.62.400;
OR (2) AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1987, HAS (A) GRADUATED FROM A SCHOOL OF NATUROPATHY THAT REQUIRED FOUR YEARS OF ATTENDANCE AT THE SCHOOL AND AT THE TIME OF GRADUATION THE SCHOOL WAS ACCREDITED OR A CANDIDATE FOR ACCREDITATION BY THE COUNCIL ON NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION OR A SUCCESSOR ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION;
OR (2) AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1987, HAS (A) GRADUATED FROM A SCHOOL OF NATUROPATHY THAT REQUIRED FOUR YEARS OF ATTENDANCE AT THE SCHOOL AND AT THE TIME OF GRADUATION THE SCHOOL WAS ACCREDITED OR A CANDIDATE FOR ACCREDITATION BY THE COUNCIL ON NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION OR A SUCCESSOR ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED HB0115a -3- HB 115 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION;
(2) has passed a pharmaceutical examination approved by the HB0115b -3- CSHB 115(L&C) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U department that is equivalent to any examination of pharmaceutical knowledge required under AS 08.64.210 or 08.64.220;
(2) has passed a pharmaceutical examination approved by the department that is equivalent to any examination of pharmaceutical knowledge required under AS 08.64.210 or 08.64.220;
(b) Before a license may be renewed, a naturopath licensed under this chapter shall submit evidence to the department that continuing education requirements prescribed by regulations adopted by the department have been met.
HB 115 -4- HB0115a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A (b) Before a license may be renewed, a naturopath licensed under this chapter shall submit evidence to the department that continuing education requirements prescribed by regulations adopted by the department have been met.
Continuing education requirements must be equivalent to the continuing education requirements CSHB 115(L&C) -4- HB0115b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U of a physician assistant under AS 08.64.107 and must also include a requirement that not less than two hours of education in pain management and opioid use and addiction be completed not more than two years before the application for renewal.
Continuing education requirements must be equivalent to the continuing education requirements of a physician assistant under AS 08.64.107 and must also include a requirement that not less than two hours of education in pain management and opioid use and addiction be completed not more than two years before the application for renewal.
Sec.
HB0115a -5- HB 115 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A Sec.
(a) A naturopath licensed under this chapter may (1) only provide naturopathic services that are consistent with the standards and scope of naturopathic education, naturopathic training, and the HB0115b -5- CSHB 115(L&C) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U naturopath's experience, as established by regulations adopted by the department;
(a) A naturopath licensed under this chapter may (1) only provide naturopathic services that are consistent with the standards and scope of naturopathic education, naturopathic training, and the naturopath's experience, as established by regulations adopted by the department;
* Sec.
HB 115 -6- HB0115a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A * Sec.
A person who practices naturopathy may not (1) give, prescribe, or recommend in the practice CSHB 115(L&C) -6- HB0115b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U (A) a cancer chemotherapeutic agent [A PRESCRIPTION DRUG];
A person who practices naturopathy may not (1) give, prescribe, or recommend in the practice (A) a cancer chemotherapeutic agent [A PRESCRIPTION DRUG];
(c) If the department finds that a naturopath is unable to continue in practice with reasonable safety to the naturopath's patients or to the public, the department shall initiate action to suspend, revoke, limit, or condition the naturopath's license to the extent necessary for the protection of the naturopath's patients and the public.
HB0115a -7- HB 115 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A (c) If the department finds that a naturopath is unable to continue in practice with reasonable safety to the naturopath's patients or to the public, the department shall initiate action to suspend, revoke, limit, or condition the naturopath's license to the extent necessary for the protection of the naturopath's patients and the public.
HB0115b -7- CSHB 115(L&C) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U (d) A naturopath may not refuse to submit a report under this section or withhold from the department or its investigators evidence related to an investigation under this section on the grounds that the report or evidence (1) concerns a matter that was disclosed in the course of a confidential naturopath-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship or during a meeting of a hospital medical staff, governing body, or committee that was exempt from the public meeting requirements of AS 44.62.310;
(d) A naturopath may not refuse to submit a report under this section or withhold from the department or its investigators evidence related to an investigation under this section on the grounds that the report or evidence (1) concerns a matter that was disclosed in the course of a confidential naturopath-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship or during a meeting of a hospital medical staff, governing body, or committee that was exempt from the public meeting requirements of AS 44.62.310;
(3) an injury apparently caused by a knife, axe, or other sharp or pointed instrument, unless the injury was clearly accidental;
(3) an injury apparently caused by a knife, axe, or other sharp or HB 115 -8- HB0115a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A pointed instrument, unless the injury was clearly accidental;
(c) A person who, in good faith, makes a report under this section, or who CSHB 115(L&C) -8- HB0115b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U participates in a judicial proceeding related to a report under this section, is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred as a result of making the report or participating in the judicial proceeding.
(c) A person who, in good faith, makes a report under this section, or who participates in a judicial proceeding related to a report under this section, is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred as a result of making the report or participating in the judicial proceeding.
(6) continued to practice after becoming unfit due to (A) professional incompetence;
HB0115a -9- HB 115 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A (6) continued to practice after becoming unfit due to (A) professional incompetence;
HB0115b -9- CSHB 115(L&C) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U (C) physical or mental disability;
(C) physical or mental disability;
(13) has denied care or treatment to a patient or person seeking assistance from the licensee if the only reason for the denial is the failure or refusal of the patient to agree to arbitrate as provided in AS 09.55.535(a);
(13) has denied care or treatment to a patient or person seeking HB 115 -10- HB0115a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A assistance from the licensee if the only reason for the denial is the failure or refusal of the patient to agree to arbitrate as provided in AS 09.55.535(a);
(14) has had a license or certificate to practice naturopathy in another state or a province or territory of Canada denied, suspended, revoked, CSHB 115(L&C) -10- HB0115b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U surrendered while under investigation for an alleged violation, restricted, limited, conditioned, or placed on probation unless the denial, suspension, revocation, or other action was caused by the failure of the licensee to pay fees to that state, territory, or province;
(14) has had a license or certificate to practice naturopathy in another state or a province or territory of Canada denied, suspended, revoked, surrendered while under investigation for an alleged violation, restricted, limited, conditioned, or placed on probation unless the denial, suspension, revocation, or other action was caused by the failure of the licensee to pay fees to that state, territory, or province;
(6) impose limitations or conditions on the practice of the licensee;
HB0115a -11- HB 115 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A (6) impose limitations or conditions on the practice of the licensee;
(d) The department may reinstate a license that has been suspended or revoked HB0115b -11- CSHB 115(L&C) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U if, after a hearing, the department finds that the applicant is able to practice naturopathy with reasonable skill and safety.
(d) The department may reinstate a license that has been suspended or revoked if, after a hearing, the department finds that the applicant is able to practice naturopathy with reasonable skill and safety.
For the purposes of an investigation under this chapter, the department may require a person to whom the department has issued a license to submit to drug or alcohol testing or a medical or psychiatric examination by a practitioner appointed by the department.
For the purposes of an investigation under this chapter, the department may require a person to whom the HB 115 -12- HB0115a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A department has issued a license to submit to drug or alcohol testing or a medical or psychiatric examination by a practitioner appointed by the department.
A CSHB 115(L&C) -12- HB0115b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U naturopath licensed under this chapter shall report in writing to the department concerning the outcome of each medical malpractice claim or civil action in which damages have been or are to be paid by or on behalf of the licensee to the claimant or plaintiff, whether by judgment or under a settlement.
A naturopath licensed under this chapter shall report in writing to the department concerning the outcome of each medical malpractice claim or civil action in which damages have been or are to be paid by or on behalf of the licensee to the claimant or plaintiff, whether by judgment or under a settlement.
(5) "naturopath" means a person licensed and authorized to practice naturopathy in the state who, because of specialized education from an accredited naturopathic medical school, is capable of performing acts of medical diagnosis and prescription of therapeutic substances and procedures that are consistent with HB0115b -13- CSHB 115(L&C) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U naturopathic medical education.
HB0115a -13- HB 115 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A (5) "naturopath" means a person licensed and authorized to practice naturopathy in the state who, because of specialized education from an accredited naturopathic medical school, is capable of performing acts of medical diagnosis and prescription of therapeutic substances and procedures that are consistent with naturopathic medical education.
(12) admittance to a police training program under AS 18.65.230 or for certification as a police officer under AS 18.65.240 if that person's prospective employer does not have access to a criminal justice information system;
(12) admittance to a police training program under AS 18.65.230 or for HB 115 -14- HB0115a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A certification as a police officer under AS 18.65.240 if that person's prospective employer does not have access to a criminal justice information system;
CSHB 115(L&C) -14- HB0115b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U (15) licensure as an insurance producer, managing general agent, reinsurance intermediary broker, reinsurance intermediary manager, surplus lines broker, or independent adjuster under AS 21.27;
(15) licensure as an insurance producer, managing general agent, reinsurance intermediary broker, reinsurance intermediary manager, surplus lines broker, or independent adjuster under AS 21.27;
(21) employment as a village public safety officer under AS 18.65.672 or certification as a village public safety officer under AS 18.65.682;
HB0115a -15- HB 115 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\A (21) employment as a village public safety officer under AS 18.65.672 or certification as a village public safety officer under AS 18.65.682;
(22) licensure, license renewal, certification, or certification renewal by the Department of Family and Community Services of an individual or entity, or HB0115b -15- CSHB 115(L&C) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0631\U payment from the Department of Family and Community Services to an individual or entity, subject to the requirements for a criminal history check under AS 47.05.310 for a foster home, child placement agency, and runaway shelter listed in AS 47.32.010(c), including an owner, officer, director, member, partner, employee, volunteer, or contractor of an entity;
(22) licensure, license renewal, certification, or certification renewal by the Department of Family and Community Services of an individual or entity, or payment from the Department of Family and Community Services to an individual or entity, subject to the requirements for a criminal history check under AS 47.05.310 for a foster home, child placement agency, and runaway shelter listed in AS 47.32.010(c), including an owner, officer, director, member, partner, employee, volunteer, or contractor of an entity;
(23) licensure as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician under AS 08.80;
(23) licensure as a naturopath under AS 08.45.
(24) licensure as a naturopath under AS 08.45.
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21 of this Act, this Act takes effect January 1, 2025.
21 of this Act, this Act takes effect January 1, 2024.
CSHB 115(L&C) -16- HB0115b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
HB 115 -16- HB0115a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
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Action History

  1. (H) Minutes (HFIN)

  2. (H) Heard & Held

  3. (H) FINANCE at 01:30 PM ADAMS 519

  4. (H) Heard & Held -- Please Note Time Change --

  5. (H) FINANCE at 09:00 AM ADAMS 519

  6. (H) Minutes (HFIN)

  7. (H) Scheduled but Not Heard -- Recessed to a Call of the Chair --

  8. (H) FINANCE at 08:30 AM ADAMS 519

  9. (H) COSPONSOR(S): WRIGHT, STAPP

  10. (H) REFERRED TO FINANCE

  11. (H) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER L&C

  12. (H) FN4: (CED)

  13. (H) FN3: ZERO(DPS)

  14. (H) AM: SADDLER, WRIGHT

  15. (H) NR: CARRICK, RUFFRIDGE

  16. (H) DNP: FIELDS, SUMNER

  17. (H) DP: PRAX

  18. (H) L&C RPT CS(L&C) NEW TITLE 1DP 2DNP 2NR 2AM

  19. (H) Minutes (HL&C)

  20. (H) Moved CSHB 115(L&C) Out of Committee

  21. (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 03:15 PM BARNES 124

  22. (H) Minutes (HL&C)

  23. (H) Heard & Held

  24. (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 02:00 PM ANCH LIO DENALI Rm

  25. (H) FN2: (CED)

  26. (H) FN1: ZERO(DPS)

  27. (H) AM: FIELDS, SUMNER, RUFFRIDGE, SADDLER, MINA

  28. (H) NR: MCCORMICK

  29. (H) DP: PRAX

  30. (H) HSS RPT 1DP 1NR 5AM

  31. (H) JUD REFERRAL REMOVED

  32. (H) Minutes (HHSS)

  33. (H) Moved HB 115 Out of Committee

  34. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:00 PM DAVIS 106

  35. (H) Minutes (HHSS)

  36. (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>

  37. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:00 PM DAVIS 106

  38. (H) Minutes (HHSS)

  39. (H) Heard & Held

  40. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:00 PM DAVIS 106

  41. (H) Minutes (HHSS)

  42. (H) Heard & Held

  43. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:00 PM DAVIS 106

  44. (H) Minutes (HHSS)

  45. (H) Heard & Held

  46. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:00 PM DAVIS 106

  47. (H) HSS, JUD, L&C

  48. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 2 co-sponsors · 62 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (2)

Not signed on (62)

62 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

healthcare labor
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 115?
HB 115 is sponsored by Will Stapp (R), Wright, and Mike Prax (R).
What is the current status of HB 115?
This bill died with 33rd Legislature (2023-2024). It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 115?
Track HB 115 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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