Provides for the regulation of the practice of naprapathy. (BDR 54-724)
If enacted, AB153 will amend multiple sections of the Nevada Revised Statutes to integrate naprapaths into the existing framework governing health care providers. This includes ensuring compliance with regulations that govern the practice and discipline of health care professions, thereby enhancing the accountability of naprapaths. It also stipulates the grounds for disciplinary actions and legal recourse against unlicensed practice. By regulating this field, the bill seeks to ensure that naprapaths can operate within a standardized legal framework, which proponents argue will elevate professional standards and public safety in health care.
Assembly Bill 153 aims to formally regulate the practice of naprapathy in Nevada, establishing oversight through the State Board of Health and the Division of Public and Behavioral Health. The bill defines naprapathy, outlines the qualifications and licensure requirements for practitioners, and creates the Naprapathic Practice Advisory Board to assist in the regulatory process. The legislation mandates that applicants must undergo a criminal background check and comply with child support obligations. Additionally, naprapaths will be included within existing definitions of health care providers, requiring them to adhere to similar standards of practice and responsibility as other licensed providers.
Debates surrounding AB153 revolve around the necessity and effectiveness of additional regulation for naprapathy. Supporters argue that the safety of patients and the integrity of the profession demand regulation, while opponents may express concern that stringent licensing could hinder access to alternative therapies like naprapathy, which some patients prefer over traditional medical routes. Furthermore, discussions have included whether existing regulations for other health care providers are sufficient or overly burdensome, which could impact the practitioners' ability to provide care effectively.