Introduced Version
SENATE BILL No. 387
_____
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Citations Affected: IC 25-0.5; IC 25-22.5-1-2; IC 25-22.7; IC
35-52-25.
Synopsis: Licensure of naturopathic physicians. Provides for the
licensure of naturopathic physicians. Specifies certain individuals who
are not required to be licensed. Establishes the board of naturopathic
medicine (board). Establishes license requirements. Requires licensed
naturopathic physicians to obtain continuing education for license
renewal. Establishes the naturopathic formulary council to establish a
formulary for naturopathic physicians. Establishes the childbirth
attendance advisory commission to provide recommendations
concerning the practice of naturopathic childbirth attendance. Provides
that an individual who is not licensed may not use certain descriptions,
titles, or initials to indicate or imply that the individual is a licensed
naturopathic physician. Establishes criminal penalties for certain
violations.
Effective: July 1, 2025.
Goode
January 13, 2025, read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Provider
Services.
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 Introduced
First Regular Session of the 124th General Assembly (2025)
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana
Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type,
additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in this style type.
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional
provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the
word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds
a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or this style type reconciles conflicts
between statutes enacted by the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
SENATE BILL No. 387
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
professions and occupations.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
1 SECTION 1. IC 25-0.5-1-10.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
2 CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
3 [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 10.5. IC 25-1-1.1-4 applies to an
4 individual licensed under IC 25-22.7 (naturopathic physicians).
5 SECTION 2. IC 25-0.5-2-37 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
6 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
7 1, 2025]: Sec. 37. IC 25-1-2-2.1 applies to licenses held by
8 naturopathic physicians.
9 SECTION 3. IC 25-0.5-3-43 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
10 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
11 1, 2025]: Sec. 43. IC 25-1-2-6(b) applies to the board of
12 naturopathic medicine.
13 SECTION 4. IC 25-0.5-4-35 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
14 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
15 1, 2025]: Sec. 35. The board of naturopathic medicine (IC
16 25-22.7-3) is a board under IC 25-1-4.
17 SECTION 5. IC 25-0.5-5-23 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 2
1 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
2 1, 2025]: Sec. 23. The Indiana professional licensing agency shall
3 perform administrative functions, duties, and responsibilities for
4 the board of naturopathic medicine (IC 25-22.7-3) under
5 IC 25-1-5-3(a).
6 SECTION 6. IC 25-0.5-6-22 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
7 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
8 1, 2025]: Sec. 22. An individual licensed by the board of
9 naturopathic medicine (IC 25-22.7-3) is a provider under
10 IC 25-1-5-10.
11 SECTION 7. IC 25-0.5-8-39 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
12 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
13 1, 2025]: Sec. 39. An occupation for which a person is licensed by
14 the board of naturopathic medicine (IC 25-22.7-3) is a regulated
15 occupation under IC 25-1-7.
16 SECTION 8. IC 25-0.5-10-36 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
17 CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
18 [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 36. The board of naturopathic
19 medicine (IC 25-22.7-3) is a board under IC 25-1-8-6.
20 SECTION 9. IC 25-0.5-11-21 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
21 CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
22 [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 21. The board of naturopathic
23 medicine (IC 25-22.7-3) is a board under IC 25-1-9.
24 SECTION 10. IC 25-22.5-1-2, AS AMENDED BY P.L.128-2022,
25 SECTION 3, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
26 JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 2. (a) This article, as it relates to the unlawful or
27 unauthorized practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine, does not
28 apply to any of the following:
29 (1) A student in training in a medical school approved by the
30 board, or while performing duties as an intern or a resident in a
31 hospital under the supervision of the hospital's staff or in a
32 program approved by the medical school.
33 (2) A person who renders service in case of emergency where no
34 fee or other consideration is contemplated, charged, or received.
35 (3) A paramedic (as defined in IC 16-18-2-266), an advanced
36 emergency medical technician (as defined in IC 16-18-2-6.5), an
37 emergency medical technician (as defined in IC 16-18-2-112), or
38 a person with equivalent certification from another state who
39 renders advanced life support (as defined in IC 16-18-2-7), or
40 basic life support (as defined in IC 16-18-2-33.5):
41 (A) during a disaster emergency declared by the governor
42 under IC 10-14-3-12 in response to an act that the governor in
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 3
1 good faith believes to be an act of terrorism (as defined in
2 IC 35-31.5-2-329); and
3 (B) in accordance with the rules adopted by the Indiana
4 emergency medical services commission or the disaster
5 emergency declaration of the governor.
6 (4) Commissioned medical officers or medical service officers of
7 the armed forces of the United States, the United States Public
8 Health Service, and medical officers of the United States
9 Department of Veterans Affairs in the discharge of their official
10 duties in Indiana.
11 (5) An individual who is not a licensee who resides in another
12 state or country and is authorized to practice medicine or
13 osteopathic medicine there, who is called in for consultation by an
14 individual licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine
15 in Indiana.
16 (6) A person administering a domestic or family remedy to a
17 member of the person's family.
18 (7) A member of a church practicing the religious tenets of the
19 church if the member does not make a medical diagnosis,
20 prescribe or administer drugs or medicines, perform surgical or
21 physical operations, or assume the title of or profess to be a
22 physician.
23 (8) A school corporation and a school employee who acts under
24 IC 34-30-14 (or IC 34-4-16.5-3.5 before its repeal).
25 (9) A chiropractor practicing the chiropractor's profession under
26 IC 25-10 or to an employee of a chiropractor acting under the
27 direction and supervision of the chiropractor under IC 25-10-1-13.
28 (10) A dental hygienist practicing the dental hygienist's profession
29 under IC 25-13.
30 (11) A dentist practicing the dentist's profession under IC 25-14.
31 (12) A hearing aid dealer practicing the hearing aid dealer's
32 profession under IC 25-20.
33 (13) A nurse practicing the nurse's profession under IC 25-23.
34 However, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (as defined in
35 IC 25-23-1-1.4) may administer anesthesia if the certified
36 registered nurse anesthetist acts under the direction of and in the
37 immediate presence of a physician.
38 (14) An optometrist practicing the optometrist's profession under
39 IC 25-24.
40 (15) A pharmacist practicing the pharmacist's profession under
41 IC 25-26.
42 (16) A physical therapist practicing the physical therapist's
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 4
1 profession under IC 25-27.
2 (17) A podiatrist practicing the podiatrist's profession under
3 IC 25-29.
4 (18) A psychologist practicing the psychologist's profession under
5 IC 25-33.
6 (19) A speech-language pathologist or audiologist practicing the
7 pathologist's or audiologist's profession under IC 25-35.6.
8 (20) An employee of a physician or group of physicians who
9 performs an act, a duty, or a function that is customarily within
10 the specific area of practice of the employing physician or group
11 of physicians, if the act, duty, or function is performed under the
12 direction and supervision of the employing physician or a
13 physician of the employing group within whose area of practice
14 the act, duty, or function falls. An employee may not make a
15 diagnosis or prescribe a treatment and must report the results of
16 an examination of a patient conducted by the employee to the
17 employing physician or the physician of the employing group
18 under whose supervision the employee is working. An employee
19 may not administer medication without the specific order of the
20 employing physician or a physician of the employing group.
21 Unless an employee is licensed or registered to independently
22 practice in a profession described in subdivisions (9) through
23 (18), nothing in this subsection grants the employee independent
24 practitioner status or the authority to perform patient services in
25 an independent practice in a profession.
26 (21) A hospital licensed under IC 16-21 or IC 12-25.
27 (22) A health care organization whose members, shareholders, or
28 partners are individuals, partnerships, corporations, facilities, or
29 institutions licensed or legally authorized by this state to provide
30 health care or professional services as:
31 (A) a physician;
32 (B) a psychiatric hospital;
33 (C) a hospital;
34 (D) a health maintenance organization or limited service
35 health maintenance organization;
36 (E) a health facility;
37 (F) a dentist;
38 (G) a registered or licensed practical nurse;
39 (H) a certified nurse midwife or a certified direct entry
40 midwife;
41 (I) an optometrist;
42 (J) a podiatrist;
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 5
1 (K) a chiropractor;
2 (L) a physical therapist; or
3 (M) a psychologist.
4 (23) A physician assistant practicing the physician assistant
5 profession under IC 25-27.5.
6 (24) A physician providing medical treatment under section 2.1
7 of this chapter.
8 (25) An attendant who provides attendant care services (as
9 defined in IC 16-18-2-28.5).
10 (26) A personal services attendant providing authorized attendant
11 care services under IC 12-10-17.1.
12 (27) A respiratory care practitioner practicing the practitioner's
13 profession under IC 25-34.5.
14 (28) A naturopathic physician practicing naturopathic
15 medicine under IC 25-22.7.
16 (b) A person described in subsection (a)(9) through (a)(18) (a)(19),
17 (a)(23), and (a)(25) through (a)(28) is not excluded from the
18 application of this article if:
19 (1) the person performs an act that an Indiana statute does not
20 authorize the person to perform; and
21 (2) the act qualifies in whole or in part as the practice of medicine
22 or osteopathic medicine.
23 (c) An employment or other contractual relationship between an
24 entity described in subsection (a)(21) through (a)(22) and a licensed
25 physician does not constitute the unlawful practice of medicine or
26 osteopathic medicine under this article if the entity does not direct or
27 control independent medical acts, decisions, or judgment of the
28 licensed physician. However, if the direction or control is done by the
29 entity under IC 34-30-15 (or IC 34-4-12.6 before its repeal), the entity
30 is excluded from the application of this article as it relates to the
31 unlawful practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine.
32 (d) This subsection does not apply to a prescription or drug order for
33 a legend drug that is filled or refilled in a pharmacy owned or operated
34 by a hospital licensed under IC 16-21. A physician licensed in Indiana
35 who permits or authorizes a person to fill or refill a prescription or drug
36 order for a legend drug except as authorized in IC 16-42-19-11 through
37 IC 16-42-19-19 is subject to disciplinary action under IC 25-1-9. A
38 person who violates this subsection commits the unlawful practice of
39 medicine or osteopathic medicine under this chapter.
40 (e) A person described in subsection (a)(8) shall not be authorized
41 to dispense contraceptives or birth control devices.
42 (f) Nothing in this section allows a person to use words or
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 6
1 abbreviations that indicate or induce an individual to believe that the
2 person is engaged in the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine.
3 SECTION 11. IC 25-22.7 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
4 AS A NEW ARTICLE TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
5 1, 2025]:
6 ARTICLE 22.7. NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS
7 Chapter 1. Applicability
8 Sec. 1. This article does not apply to the following:
9 (1) An individual who is employed by the United States to
10 practice naturopathic medicine while practicing within the
11 scope of that employment.
12 (2) An individual whose:
13 (A) license to practice naturopathic medicine is issued in
14 another state; and
15 (B) practice of naturopathic medicine is limited to
16 examinations, recommendations, or expert testimony.
17 (3) An individual who is a student enrolled in an approved
18 naturopathic medical program while studying under the
19 supervision of a licensed:
20 (A) naturopathic physician; or
21 (B) professional in the field of study.
22 Sec. 2. Except as provided in IC 25-22.7-7-2, this article does not
23 apply to the following:
24 (1) An individual who practices a health occupation that the
25 individual is authorized to practice under this title or any
26 other law, including:
27 (A) wellness coaching; or
28 (B) counseling.
29 (2) An individual who treats the individual or individual's
30 family.
31 (3) A person that sells and provides information about
32 vitamins or herbs that the person offers for sale.
33 (4) A person that offers advice in the use of a therapy,
34 including herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, or another
35 nondrug or nonsurgical therapy.
36 Chapter 2. Definitions
37 Sec. 0.5. The definitions in this chapter apply throughout this
38 article.
39 Sec. 1. "Advisory commission" refers to the naturopathic
40 childbirth attendance advisory commission established by
41 IC 25-22.7-6-1.
42 Sec. 2. "Approved naturopathic medical program" means a
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 7
1 naturopathic medical education program described in
2 IC 25-22.7-4-2.
3 Sec. 3. "Board" refers to the board of naturopathic medicine
4 established by IC 25-22.7-3-1.
5 Sec. 4. "Childbirth attendance" means the specialty practice of
6 natural childbirth by a naturopathic physician that includes the
7 management of normal pregnancy, normal labor and delivery, and
8 the normal postpartum period, including normal newborn care.
9 Sec. 5. "Council" refers to the naturopathic formulary council
10 established by IC 25-22.7-5-1.
11 Sec. 6. "Minor office procedures" means the methods for the
12 repair and care incidental to superficial lacerations or abrasions,
13 superficial lesions, and the removal of foreign bodies located in the
14 superficial tissues.
15 Sec. 7. "Naturopathic medicine" means a system of primary
16 care for:
17 (1) the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human health
18 conditions, injury, and disease;
19 (2) the promotion or restoration of health; and
20 (3) the support and stimulation of a patient's inherent
21 self-healing processes through patient education and the use
22 of naturopathic therapies and therapeutic substances.
23 Sec. 8. "Naturopathic physician" means an individual who is
24 licensed to practice naturopathic medicine under this article.
25 Sec. 9. "Prescription drug" means any drug defined in the
26 federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) if the
27 drug's label is required to bear the statement "Rx Only".
28 Chapter 3. Board of Naturopathic Medicine
29 Sec. 1. The board of naturopathic medicine is established under
30 the executive branch of state government as a continuing board.
31 The purpose of the board is to receive and review applications for
32 licensure under this article.
33 Sec. 2. (a) The board consists of five (5) members, who are
34 voting members. The board must include the following:
35 (1) Three (3) individuals who:
36 (A) are naturopathic physicians; and
37 (B) meet the requirements in section 3 of this chapter.
38 (2) Two (2) individuals who:
39 (A) do not have any association with the practice of
40 naturopathic medicine, except as a consumer; and
41 (B) meet the requirements in section 4 of this chapter.
42 (b) The governor shall appoint the board members. However,
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 8
1 the governor shall appoint the members under subsection (a)(1)
2 with the advice of the Indiana Association of Naturopathic
3 Physicians.
4 Sec. 3. Each naturopathic physician member of the board must
5 be:
6 (1) in good standing with the board;
7 (2) an Indiana resident who:
8 (A) has practiced; or
9 (B) has taught;
10 naturopathic medicine in Indiana for at least five (5) years
11 immediately before appointment; and
12 (3) beginning July 1, 2026, licensed under this article.
13 Sec. 4. Each consumer member of the board:
14 (1) must be a resident of Indiana;
15 (2) may not be or have been licensed to practice a health
16 occupation under this title; and
17 (3) may be or have been immediately related to an individual
18 who has a substantial connection with naturopathic education,
19 business, or practice.
20 Sec. 5. (a) A board member's term is four (4) years, with the
21 term expiring on June 30. However, the board member continues
22 to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.
23 (b) The governor shall make the board's initial appointments
24 not later than July 1, 2025, with the term for an initial board
25 member expiring on June 30, 2029.
26 Sec. 6. A member may not serve more than two (2) consecutive
27 full terms.
28 Sec. 7. If a vacancy occurs on the board, the governor shall:
29 (1) appoint a new member who meets the qualifications of the
30 vacancy to serve the remainder of the vacant term; and
31 (2) fill any vacancy on the board not later than sixty (60) days
32 after the date of the vacancy.
33 Sec. 8. The governor may remove any member of the board for
34 cause before the expiration of the member's term.
35 Sec. 9. The governor shall call the first meeting of the board, at
36 which the board members shall elect a chairperson, who serves a
37 term of one (1) year and may be reelected as chairperson.
38 Sec. 10. The following apply to the operation of the board:
39 (1) A quorum of the board consists of a majority of the board
40 members.
41 (2) The chairperson shall determine the time and place for
42 meetings.
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 9
1 (3) Members of the board are not entitled to a salary per diem
2 or reimbursement for expenses.
3 (4) The board shall meet at least one (1) time each year and at
4 the call of the chairperson or at the written request of two (2)
5 members of the board.
6 (5) At least three (3) affirmative votes are required for the
7 board to take any official action.
8 Sec. 11. The board may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to
9 administer this article.
10 Sec. 12. The board shall:
11 (1) evaluate the content for any clinical, practical, or
12 residency requirement for a license under this article;
13 (2) subject to IC 25-1-4, establish an approved program of
14 continuing education in naturopathic medicine, including:
15 (A) criteria;
16 (B) categories; and
17 (C) minimum hours required to be completed by licensed
18 persons in the license period preceding the date of license
19 renewal;
20 (3) enforce the standards of practice and conduct proceedings
21 under IC 25-1-9;
22 (4) subject to IC 25-27.7-6, establish standards for childbirth
23 attendance;
24 (5) establish examination standards for licensing and time
25 frames for exam administration; and
26 (6) perform functions necessary to administer this article.
27 Sec. 13. The board shall establish fees under IC 25-1-8-2.
28 Sec. 14. The Indiana professional licensing agency shall staff the
29 board. Expenses of the board must be paid from appropriations to
30 the Indiana professional licensing agency.
31 Chapter 4. License and Qualifications
32 Sec. 1. After December 31, 2026, except as otherwise provided
33 in this article, an individual must be licensed by the board before
34 the individual may practice naturopathic medicine.
35 Sec. 2. A naturopathic medical education program is approved
36 if the program meets one (1) of the following criteria:
37 (1) The program is located in the United States and:
38 (A) provides a doctoral degree in naturopathy or
39 naturopathic medicine;
40 (B) offers graduate level, full-time didactic, and supervised
41 clinical training;
42 (C) is accredited by or is a candidate for accreditation
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 10
1 before the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education or
2 an equivalent accrediting body for naturopathic medical
3 programs; and
4 (D) is part of an institution of higher education that is
5 either accredited by or a candidate for accreditation before
6 an accrediting agency that is recognized by the United
7 States Secretary of Education.
8 (2) The program is located in a college or university in
9 Canada and:
10 (A) grants a diploma for a degree equivalent to a degree
11 described in subdivision (1);
12 (B) offers graduate level, full-time didactic, and supervised
13 clinical training;
14 (C) is accredited by or is a candidate for accreditation
15 before the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education or
16 an equivalent federal and board recognized accrediting
17 body for naturopathic medical programs; and
18 (D) has provincial approval for participation in
19 government funded student aid programs.
20 (3) The program is from a degree granting college or
21 university and:
22 (A) before the existence of the Council on Naturopathic
23 Medical Education:
24 (i) offered a full-time structured curriculum in basic
25 sciences and supervised patient care comprising a
26 doctoral naturopathic medical education;
27 (ii) required at least three (3) years of study as a
28 prerequisite for graduation; and
29 (iii) if in Canada, had provincial approval for
30 participation in government funded student aid
31 programs;
32 (B) is approved by the board; and
33 (C) if the program exists when the applicant applies for a
34 license:
35 (i) is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical
36 Education or an equivalent accrediting body; and
37 (ii) if in Canada, has provincial approval for
38 participation in government funded student aid
39 programs.
40 Sec. 3. An applicant for a license to practice naturopathic
41 medicine must:
42 (1) meet the requirements of this chapter;
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 11
1 (2) submit an application with the board;
2 (3) not have:
3 (A) a criminal conviction or disciplinary action that has a
4 direct bearing on the applicant's fitness to practice
5 naturopathic medicine; or
6 (B) committed an act that would be grounds for discipline
7 under IC 25-1-9;
8 (4) be physically and mentally capable of practicing
9 naturopathic medicine; and
10 (5) pay the application fee.
11 Sec. 4.Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an
12 applicant for a license to practice naturopathic medicine must:
13 (1) have a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from an
14 approved naturopathic medical program; and
15 (2) pass either:
16 (A) a competency based national naturopathic licensing
17 examination administered by the North American Board
18 of Naturopathic Examiners or its successor agency that has
19 been nationally recognized to administer a naturopathic
20 examination that represents federal standards of education
21 and training; or
22 (B) a board approved state competency examination or
23 Canadian provincial examination.
24 Sec. 5.If an applicant for a license to practice naturopathic
25 medicine is licensed, certified, or registered to practice
26 naturopathic medicine or any other health care occupation in
27 another state, the applicant must be in good standing with the
28 applicable state licensing, certification, or registration authority.
29 Sec. 6. An applicant may apply to be licensed under this article
30 without passing an examination under section 4(2) of this chapter
31 if the applicant is or has been licensed, certified, or registered to
32 practice naturopathic medicine in another state, and the applicant:
33 (1) provides proof of licensure in good standing in each state
34 in which the applicant is or has been licensed, certified, or
35 registered; and
36 (2) submits all evidence relating to:
37 (A) disciplinary action or any administrative penalties
38 against the applicant by another state; and
39 (B) any agreement the applicant entered into that limits
40 the applicant's professional conduct and practice,
41 including voluntary surrender of a license, certificate, or
42 registration.
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 12
1 Sec. 7. The board shall issue a license to an applicant for a
2 license to practice naturopathic medicine who meets the
3 requirements of this chapter.
4 Sec. 8. A naturopathic physician may do the following:
5 (1) Order and perform physical and laboratory examinations
6 for diagnostic purposes, including:
7 (A) phlebotomy;
8 (B) clinical laboratory tests;
9 (C) orificial examinations; and
10 (D) physiological function tests.
11 (2) Order diagnostic imaging studies, if consistent with the
12 naturopathic physician's education and training.
13 (3) Administer, dispense, order, or prescribe:
14 (A) a food or food extract;
15 (B) a nutraceutical;
16 (C) a vitamin;
17 (D) an amino acid;
18 (E) a mineral;
19 (F) an enzyme;
20 (G) a botanical, including a botanical extract and a
21 botanical medicine;
22 (H) a homeopathic medicine;
23 (I) a dietary supplement or nonprescription drug as
24 defined by the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
25 U.S.C. 301 et seq.); or
26 (J) a device, including:
27 (i) a therapeutic device;
28 (ii) barrier contraception; and
29 (iii) durable medical equipment;
30 using methods that include oral, nasal, auricular, ocular,
31 rectal, vaginal, transdermal, intradermal, subcutaneous,
32 intravenous, and intramuscular and that are consistent with
33 the naturopathic physician's education and training.
34 (4) Administer, order, or prescribe, subject to section 9 of this
35 chapter:
36 (A) prescription drugs;
37 (B) devices; or
38 (C) natural medicines;
39 under the formulary approved by the council and adopted by
40 rule of the board.
41 (5) Administer or perform:
42 (A) hot or cold hydrotherapy;
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 13
1 (B) naturopathic physical medicine;
2 (C) electromagnetic energy;
3 (D) colon hydrotherapy;
4 (E) therapeutic exercise; and
5 (F) musculoskeletal manipulation.
6 (6) Provide health education and health counseling.
7 (7) Perform, subject to section 10 of this chapter:
8 (A) minor office procedures; or
9 (B) acupuncture.
10 Sec. 9. A naturopathic physician may not do any of the
11 following:
12 (1) Administer or prescribe a controlled substance or device
13 identified in the federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C.
14 801 et seq.), except under the formulary approved by the
15 council and adopted by rule of the board.
16 (2) Permit or authorize a person to fill or refill a prescription
17 or drug order for a legend drug except as authorized in
18 IC 16-42-19-11 through IC 16-42-19-19.
19 (3) Except for minor office procedures, perform surgical
20 procedures, including procedures using a laser device or that
21 involve the eyes, ears, tendons, nerves, veins, or arteries
22 extending beyond superficial tissues.
23 (4) Practice or claim to practice as another type of health care
24 provider who is regulated under this title unless the
25 naturopathic physician is licensed, certified, registered, or
26 regulated by an entity described in IC 25-0.5-11 that governs
27 that type of health care provider.
28 (5) Use general or spinal anesthetics.
29 (6) Administer ionizing radioactive substances for therapeutic
30 purposes.
31 (7) Perform acupuncture, unless the naturopathic physician
32 is approved by the board to perform acupuncture or is a
33 licensed acupuncturist.
34 Sec. 10. The board may approve a naturopathic physician to
35 perform minor office procedures only if the naturopathic
36 physician:
37 (1) graduated from an approved naturopathic medical
38 program that included minor office procedures as part of its
39 curriculum; or
40 (2) meets the training requirements regarding minor office
41 procedures adopted by the board.
42 Sec. 11. The board may approve a naturopathic physician to
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 14
1 perform acupuncture only if the naturopathic physician:
2 (1) graduated from an approved naturopathic medical
3 program that included acupuncture as part of its curriculum;
4 or
5 (2) meets the training requirements regarding acupuncture
6 adopted by the board.
7 Sec. 12. Subject to IC 25-1-2 and IC 25-1-5-4(b)(2), a license
8 issued under this article is valid for a period of two (2) years.
9 Sec. 13. License renewal must comply with IC 25-1-2-6.
10 Sec. 14. The board shall renew the license of a naturopathic
11 physician who:
12 (1) submits a renewal application on the form that the board
13 requires;
14 (2) pays a renewal fee set by the board;
15 (3) is otherwise entitled to be licensed; and
16 (4) meets the continuing education requirements adopted by
17 the board.
18 Sec. 15. (a) The board may classify the license of a naturopathic
19 physician as inactive if:
20 (1) the board receives written notification from the
21 naturopathic physician stating that the naturopathic
22 physician will not practice naturopathic medicine in Indiana;
23 and
24 (2) the naturopathic physician pays to the board the inactive
25 status fee set by the board.
26 (b) The holder of an inactive license issued under this section is
27 not required to fulfill continuing education requirements adopted
28 by the board.
29 Sec. 16. The board shall issue a license to a naturopathic
30 physician who is on inactive status if the naturopathic physician is
31 otherwise entitled to be licensed under this article and submits to
32 the board:
33 (1) satisfactory evidence of compliance with the continuing
34 education requirements the board adopts for this purpose;
35 and
36 (2) a reinstatement fee set by the board.
37 Sec. 17. The board shall reinstate a delinquent or lapsed license
38 of a naturopathic physician who complies with the requirements
39 under IC 25-1-8-6.
40 Sec. 18. Subject to IC 25-1-9-14, a naturopathic physician who
41 is subject to an investigation or hearing before the board may not
42 surrender the naturopathic physician's license.
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 15
1 Chapter 5. Naturopathic Formulary Council
2 Sec. 1. The naturopathic formulary council is established under
3 the executive branch of state government as a continuing council.
4 The council's purpose is to establish a formulary for use by
5 naturopathic physicians and to review and update the formulary
6 as necessary.
7 Sec. 2. (a) The council consists of the following five (5) members,
8 who are voting members:
9 (1) Two (2) naturopathic physicians licensed under this
10 article, appointed by the board.
11 (2) Two (2) pharmacists licensed under IC 25-26, appointed
12 by the board from a list of nominees provided by the Indiana
13 board of pharmacy.
14 (3) One (1) physician licensed under IC 25-22.5, appointed by
15 the board from a list of nominees provided by the medical
16 licensing board of Indiana.
17 (b) Except as provided in subsection (c), a council member
18 serves for a term of four (4) years with the term expiring on
19 December 31 of an odd-numbered year. At the end of a term, the
20 council member continues to serve until a successor is appointed
21 and qualified.
22 (c) The initial council members appointed by the board serve a
23 term that ends December 31 of the following odd-numbered year.
24 However, the initial term does not constitute a full term for
25 purposes of section 3 of this chapter.
26 Sec. 3. A council member may not serve more than two (2)
27 consecutive full terms.
28 Sec. 4. If a vacancy occurs on the council, the board shall
29 appoint a new council member who meets the qualifications of the
30 vacancy to serve the remainder of the vacant term.
31 Sec. 5. The board may remove any member of the council for
32 cause before expiration of the member's term.
33 Sec. 6. The following apply to the operation of the council:
34 (1) A quorum of the council consists of a majority of the
35 council members.
36 (2) The chairperson shall determine the time and place for
37 meetings.
38 (3) Council members are not entitled to a salary per diem or
39 reimbursement for expenses.
40 (4) The council shall meet at least one (1) time each year and
41 at the call of the board.
42 (5) The board shall call the first meeting of the council, at
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 16
1 which the council members shall elect a chairperson.
2 Thereafter, council members shall annually elect a
3 chairperson.
4 (6) At least three (3) affirmative votes are required for the
5 council to take any official action.
6 Sec. 7. (a) The council shall establish a formulary for use by
7 naturopathic physicians that is consistent with the training
8 provided by approved naturopathic education programs. However,
9 the formulary list may not go beyond the scope of natural
10 medicines, prescription drugs, or devices covered by approved
11 naturopathic education and training or board approved continuing
12 education.
13 (b) After the adoption or revision of the formulary, the council
14 shall transmit the approved formulary to the board.
15 (c) The board may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement the
16 formulary.
17 Sec. 8. The council shall review the formulary annually or at the
18 request of the board.
19 Sec. 9. The Indiana professional licensing agency shall staff the
20 council. The council's expenses must be paid from appropriations
21 to the Indiana professional licensing agency.
22 Chapter 6. Naturopathic Childbirth Attendance Advisory
23 Commission
24 Sec. 1. The naturopathic childbirth attendance advisory
25 commission is established under the executive branch of state
26 government as a continuing commission. The purpose of the
27 advisory commission is to make recommendations to the board
28 concerning the practice of childbirth attendance.
29 Sec. 2. (a) The advisory commission consists of the following
30 members, who serve as voting members, appointed by the
31 governor:
32 (1) One (1) physician with clinical specialty in obstetrics or
33 board certification in obstetrics from the American Board of
34 Obstetrics and Gynecology.
35 (2) One (1) certified nurse midwife (as described in
36 IC 25-23-1-13.1).
37 (3) One (1) certified direct entry midwife (as described in
38 IC 25-23.4-3-1).
39 (4) Two (2) licensed naturopathic physicians with clinical
40 experience in natural childbirth.
41 (b) Except as provided in subsection (c), members of the
42 advisory commission serve for a term of four (4) years with the
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 17
1 term expiring on December 31. At the end of a term, a member
2 continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.
3 (c) The initial advisory commission members appointed by the
4 governor must serve a term that ends December 31 of the following
5 odd-numbered year. However, the initial term does not constitute
6 a full term for purposes of section 3 of this chapter.
7 Sec. 3. An advisory commission member may not serve more
8 than two (2) consecutive full terms.
9 Sec. 4. If a vacancy occurs on the advisory commission, the
10 governor shall appoint a new advisory commission member who
11 meets the qualifications of the vacancy to serve the remainder of
12 the vacant term.
13 Sec. 5. The governor may remove any member of the advisory
14 commission for cause before expiration of the member's term.
15 Sec. 6. The following apply to the operation of the advisory
16 commission:
17 (1) A quorum consists of a majority of the advisory
18 commission members.
19 (2) The board shall call the first meeting of the advisory
20 commission, at which the advisory commission members shall
21 elect a chairperson. Thereafter, advisory commission
22 members shall annually elect a chairperson.
23 (3) Advisory commission members are not entitled to a salary
24 per diem or reimbursement for expenses.
25 (4) The advisory commission shall meet at least one (1) time
26 each year and at the call of the board.
27 (5) The chairperson shall determine the time and place for
28 meetings.
29 (6) At least three (3) affirmative votes are required for the
30 advisory commission to take any official action.
31 Sec. 7. The advisory commission shall review naturopathic
32 education and training standards and make specific
33 recommendations to the board regarding the qualifications to
34 practice childbirth attendance, including the following:
35 (1) Graduation from a naturopathic midwifery or
36 naturopathic obstetrics program that is offered by an
37 approved naturopathic medical program.
38 (2) Passage of:
39 (A) the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM)
40 examination;
41 (B) the American College of Naturopathic Obstetrics
42 (ACNO) examination; or
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 18
1 (C) an examination that is determined by the advisory
2 commission to be the equivalent of an examination
3 described in clause (A) or (B).
4 Sec. 8. The advisory commission shall make recommendations
5 to the board concerning the practice of childbirth attendance.
6 Sec. 9. The board shall adopt a rule under IC 4-22-2
7 incorporating the recommendation of the advisory commission to
8 be used in reviewing all naturopathic physician applicants seeking
9 privileges to perform childbirth attendance.
10 Sec. 10. The Indiana professional licensing agency shall staff the
11 advisory commission. The advisory commission's expenses must be
12 paid from appropriations to the Indiana professional licensing
13 agency.
14 Chapter 7. Standards of Practice and Discipline
15 Sec. 1. An individual who is licensed under this article is subject
16 to the standards of practice and discipline provisions under
17 IC 25-1-9.
18 Sec. 2. Subject to IC 25-1-7, the board shall investigate a
19 complaint that alleges a violation under this article.
20 Chapter 8. Unlawful Practice and Discipline
21 Sec. 1. Except as otherwise provided in this article, only a
22 naturopathic physician may practice naturopathic medicine.
23 Sec. 2. (a) Unless an individual is licensed under this article, the
24 individual may not:
25 (1) represent to the public by title, description of services,
26 methods, procedures, or otherwise that the individual is
27 licensed to practice naturopathic medicine;
28 (2) use the title "naturopathic physician", "doctor of
29 naturopathic medicine", "doctor of naturopathy",
30 "naturopathic doctor", or "naturopath"; or
31 (3) use the initials "N.D.", "ND", "N.M.D.", or "NMD" after
32 the name of the individual;
33 to indicate or imply that the individual is licensed under this
34 article.
35 (b) A person who knowingly and intentionally violates this
36 section commits a Class A misdemeanor.
37 Sec. 3. Except for a person who is exempt from licensure under
38 this article, a person who knowingly and intentionally practices
39 naturopathic medicine without a license under this article commits
40 a Level 5 felony.
41 SECTION 12. IC 35-52-25-25.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
42 CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148 19
1 [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 25.5. IC 25-22.7-8-2 defines a
2 crime concerning naturopathic physicians.
3 SECTION 13. IC 35-52-25-25.6 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
4 CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
5 [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 25.6. IC 25-22.7-8-3 defines a
6 crime concerning naturopathic physicians.
2025 IN 387—LS 6301/DI 148