ICAM Resource Center - Politics and Regulations

LICENSING, CERTIFYING AND TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ALTERNATE MODALITIES

The following resource materials were developed by the AMSA Foundation's EDCAM Grant Team in an effort to provide medical students with basic information about the licensing and training standards for the most common CAM modalities.

The status of these issues differs greatly between modalities. Some have been involved in this process for a number of years, some are just beginning to get involved and others are in a state of great debate. Due of the ever-changing nature of this information EDCAM will make every effort to update this site with current information. However, be advised that there may be some information lag.

MIND-BODY MEDICINE Biofeedback Hypnotherapy/Hypnosis Meditation/Mindfulness Yoga ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS OF MEDICAL THOUGHT Traditional Chinese Medicine Homeopathy Ayurvedic Medicine BIO-ENERGETIC MEDICINE Therapeutic Touch Reiki

PHARMACOLOGIC/BIOLOGIC MEDICINE Naturopathic Medicine Herbal Medicine Herbal/Supplement Standardization Nutrition MANIPULATIVE THERAPIES Chiropractic Medicine Osteopathic Medicine Massage Therapy Dance/Movement Therapy

California passes licensing law for Naturopathic Doctors
September 22 - SB907, a bill sponsored by the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors, has passed the California State Senate and Assembly and over the weekend was signed into law by Governor Gray Davis. This makes California the 13th state to license Naturopathic Doctors as well as US territories Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Naturopathic Doctors will now be permitted to diagnose and treat disease, perform physical exams and laboratory tests, and work with a full range of natural and limited pharmacological therapies. Although these services are more limited than the extensive training required in naturopathic medical education, the bill significantly expands the scope of naturopathic medical practice in California, allowing consumers access to the natural healthcare benefits that naturopathic doctors provide.