REQUIRES TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY VOTE (§§ 18, 20, 22, 50, 51 & NRS 453.221, 639.170) S.B. 397 - *SB397* SENATE BILL NO. 397–SENATOR OHRENSCHALL MARCH 17, 2025 ____________ Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor SUMMARY—Makes various changes relating to alternative medicine. (BDR 54-117) FISCAL NOTE: Effect on Local Government: No. Effect on the State: Yes. ~ EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted. AN ACT relating to alternative medicine; providing for the licensure and regulation of naturopathic physicians and naturopathic assistants by the Nevada Board of Homeopathic and Naturopathic Medical Examiners; authorizing homeopathic physicians to dispense, administer and prescribe drugs in certain circumstances; establishing additional grounds for disciplinary action against persons licensed by the Board; revising other provisions relating to the Board; providing penalties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto. Legislative Counsel’s Digest: Existing law provides for the regulation and licensure of homeopathic 1 physicians by the Nevada Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners. (Chapter 2 630A of NRS) The Board also certifies and regulates advanced practitioners of 3 homeopathy and homeopathic assistants. (NRS 630A.293-630A.299) This bill 4 generally provides for the regulation of naturopathic medicine and the licensure of 5 naturopathic physicians and the certification of naturopathic assistants by the 6 Board. Sections 33, 40 and 96 of this bill revise the name of the board to “Nevada 7 Board of Homeopathic and Naturopathic Medical Examiners” to reflect the new 8 authority and duties of the Board established by this bill. Sections 10 and 12 of this 9 bill define the terms “naturopathic assistant” and “naturopathic physician,” 10 respectively. Sections 11 and 16-18 of this bill: (1) define the practice of 11 naturopathic medicine; (2) set forth the scope of the practice of naturopathic 12 medicine; (3) provide the authorized methods of administration of natural 13 substances that may be administered by a naturopathic physician; (4) set forth the 14 requirements that a naturopathic physician must satisfy before administering 15 intravenous therapy in his or her practice; and (5) authorize a naturopathic 16 physician to dispense natural substances, drugs and devices, including certain 17 controlled substances. Sections 19-27 of this bill require the Board to: (1) license 18 – 2 – - *SB397* naturopathic physicians; (2) certify naturopathic physicians as specialists; (3) 19 certify naturopathic assistants; (4) certify naturopathic medical students who wish 20 to participate in a program of clinical training for naturopathic medicine; and (5) 21 certify graduates of an approved school of naturopathic medicine who wish to 22 participate in an internship, preceptorship or fellowship training program. Sections 23 19-27 also establish certain requirements that an applicant for a license or 24 certificate must satisfy before the Board may issue the applicant such a license or 25 certificate. Section 28 of this bill requires naturopathic physicians to comply with 26 certain legal requirements governing the registration of births and deaths. Section 27 31 of this bill requires a naturopathic physician to take certain actions which are 28 also required of similar providers under existing law to assist a patient with an 29 opioid use disorder in accessing medication-assisted treatment. (NRS 630.3737, 30 632.2383, 633.6947, 641.2293, 641A.299, 641B.360, 641C.620) Section 50 of this 31 bill establishes certain procedures and requirements for renewing a license or 32 certificate, which are consistent with the procedures and requirements currently 33 applicable to practitioners of homeopathic medicine. Section 51 of this bill 34 establishes the fees for the issuance and renewal of a license or certificate issued 35 pursuant to sections 15 and 21-27. Sections 5-9, 13 and 14 of this bill define 36 certain other terms relating to the practice of naturopathic medicine and section 32 37 of this bill establishes the applicability of the definitions set forth in sections 5-14. 38 Sections 34, 36, 37 and 52-76 of this bill make the grounds and procedures that 39 are applicable to the investigation and discipline of homeopathic physicians, 40 advanced practitioners of homeopathy and homeopathic assistants, and the 41 unlicensed or uncertified practice of those professions, also applicable to 42 naturopathic physicians and naturopathic assistants and the unlicensed or 43 uncertified practice of those professions. Section 29 of this bill establishes 44 additional grounds for disciplinary action against all practitioners licensed by the 45 Board relating to medical records and reporting, and section 49 of this bill 46 authorizes the discipline of the holder of a limited license to practice homeopathic 47 medicine on those grounds. Section 75 prohibits misrepresenting that a school or 48 college of naturopathic medicine has been approved by the Board, and sections 43 49 and 76 of this bill prohibit the unlicensed practice of naturopathic medicine and 50 practice as a naturopathic assistant without the proper license or certificate. 51 Sections 38, 42, 44, 45, 47 and 48 of this bill make conforming changes to include 52 naturopathic physicians, naturopathic assistants and the practice of naturopathic 53 medicine within existing provisions currently applicable to homeopathic 54 physicians, advanced practitioners of homeopathy, homeopathic assistants and the 55 practice of homeopathic medicine, where appropriate. Section 39 of this bill 56 exempts certain persons from provisions governing homeopathic medicine and 57 naturopathic medicine. Section 46 of this bill limits to homeopathic physicians the 58 applicability of a provision relating to the examination of applicants for licensure as 59 a homeopathic physician. Section 40 expands the membership of the Board from 60 six members to eight members and section 41 of this bill requires that the 61 additional members added to the Board be naturopathic physicians who have 62 certain qualifications. 63 Existing law defines the term “physician” for the entirety of Nevada law, 64 except where specifically provided otherwise, to mean a person who engages in the 65 practice of medicine, including homeopathy. (NRS 0.040) Section 85 of this bill 66 includes within this definition a person who engages in the practice of naturopathic 67 medicine, thereby making certain provisions of existing law that are applicable to 68 all physicians also apply to naturopathic physicians, including provisions 69 concerning controlled substances and dangerous drugs. (Chapters 453 and 454 of 70 NRS) Sections 1 and 105-128 of this bill make revisions to treat naturopathic 71 physicians like other osteopathic and allopathic physicians for certain purposes 72 relating to provisions that require insurers to take, or refrain from taking, certain 73 – 3 – - *SB397* actions with respect to certain policies of health insurance and medical malpractice 74 insurance. 75 Sections 77, 78, 81, 83 and 84 of this bill clarify that provisions of law 76 governing certain other professions do not apply to naturopathic physicians. 77 Sections 2, 3, 79, 80, 82, 86-95 and 97-104 of this bill make revisions to treat 78 naturopathic physicians and naturopathic assistants, where applicable, in the same 79 manner as other similar providers of health care in other certain respects. 80 Existing law defines “homeopathic medicine” to include noninvasive 81 electrodiagnosis, cell therapy, neural therapy, herbal therapy, neuromuscular 82 integration, orthomolecular therapy and nutrition. (NRS 630A.040) Existing 83 regulations interpret “neural therapy” and “orthomolecular therapy” to include the 84 prescription and administration of pharmaceutical preparations. Existing 85 regulations interpret “pharmaceutical preparations” to include narcotic drugs and 86 opiates that are listed as schedule II controlled substances regulated by the State 87 Board of Pharmacy. (NAC 630A.014) Sections 30 and 35 of this bill affirmatively 88 authorize a homeopathic physician to dispense, administer and prescribe certain 89 drugs, including some controlled substances, in the course of providing neural 90 therapy or orthomolecular therapy, so long as the dosage and administration of the 91 drugs conform with the standards of practice for those therapies and the 92 homeopathic physician meets certain other qualifications. Section 30 also clarifies 93 the authority of a homeopathic physician to prescribe, dispense and administer 94 certain controlled substances and dangerous drugs in certain other contexts, so long 95 as the drug is: (1) in an amount suitable for a single use; and (2) only used for the 96 purpose of diluting the drug into a homeopathic preparation in accordance with the 97 standards prescribed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. 98 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. NRS 629.095 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 629.095 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the 2 Commissioner of Insurance shall develop, prescribe for use and 3 make available a single, standardized form for use by insurers, 4 carriers, societies, corporations, health maintenance organizations, 5 managed care organizations, hospitals, medical facilities and other 6 facilities that provide health care in obtaining any information 7 related to the credentials of a provider of health care. 8 2. The provisions of subsection 1 do not prohibit the 9 Commissioner of Insurance from developing, prescribing for use 10 and making available: 11 (a) Appropriate variations of the form described in that 12 subsection for use in different geographical regions of this State. 13 (b) Addenda or supplements to the form described in that 14 subsection to address, until such time as a new form may be 15 developed, prescribed for use and made available, any requirements 16 newly imposed by the Federal Government, the State or one of its 17 agencies, or a body that accredits hospitals, medical facilities or 18 health care plans. 19 – 4 – - *SB397* 3. With respect to the form described in subsection 1, the 1 Commissioner of Insurance shall: 2 (a) Hold public hearings to seek input regarding the 3 development of the form; 4 (b) Develop the form in consideration of the input received 5 pursuant to paragraph (a); 6 (c) Ensure that the form is developed in such a manner as to 7 accommodate and reflect the different types of credentials 8 applicable to different classes of providers of health care; 9 (d) Ensure that the form is developed in such a manner as to 10 reflect standards of accreditation adopted by national organizations 11 which accredit hospitals, medical facilities and health care plans; 12 and 13 (e) Ensure that the form is developed to be used efficiently and 14 is developed to be neither unduly long nor unduly voluminous. 15 4. As used in this section: 16 (a) “Carrier” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 689C.025. 17 (b) “Corporation” means a corporation operating pursuant to the 18 provisions of chapter 695B of NRS. 19 (c) “Health maintenance organization” has the meaning ascribed 20 to it in NRS 695C.030. 21 (d) “Insurer” means: 22 (1) An insurer that issues policies of individual health 23 insurance in accordance with chapter 689A of NRS; and 24 (2) An insurer that issues policies of group health insurance 25 in accordance with chapter 689B of NRS. 26 (e) “Managed care organization” has the meaning ascribed to it 27 in NRS 695G.050. 28 (f) “Provider of health care” means a provider of health care 29 who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of NRS [.] 30 or a naturopathic physician or naturopathic assistant licensed or 31 certified pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 32 (g) “Society” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 695A.044. 33 Sec. 2. NRS 629.580 is hereby amended to read as follows: 34 629.580 1. A person who provides wellness services in 35 accordance with this section, but who is not licensed, certified or 36 registered in this State as a provider of health care, is not in 37 violation of any law based on the unlicensed practice of health care 38 services or a health care profession unless the person: 39 (a) Performs surgery or any other procedure which punctures the 40 skin of any person; 41 (b) Sets a fracture of any bone of any person; 42 (c) Prescribes or administers X-ray radiation to any person; 43 (d) Prescribes or administers a prescription drug or device or a 44 controlled substance to any person; 45 – 5 – - *SB397* (e) Recommends to a client that he or she discontinue or in any 1 manner alter current medical treatment prescribed by a provider of 2 health care licensed, certified or registered in this State; 3 (f) Makes a diagnosis of a medical disease of any person; 4 (g) Performs a manipulation or a chiropractic adjustment of the 5 articulations of joints or the spine of any person; 6 (h) Treats a person’s health condition in a manner that 7 intentionally or recklessly causes that person recognizable and 8 imminent risk of serious or permanent physical or mental harm; 9 (i) Holds out, states, indicates, advertises or implies to any 10 person that he or she is a provider of health care; 11 (j) Engages in the practice of medicine in violation of chapter 12 630 or 633 of NRS, the practice of homeopathic medicine or 13 naturopathic medicine in violation of chapter 630A of NRS, the 14 practice of naprapathy in violation of chapter 634B of NRS or the 15 practice of podiatry in violation of chapter 635 of NRS, unless 16 otherwise expressly authorized by this section; 17 (k) Performs massage therapy as that term is defined in NRS 18 640C.060, reflexology as that term is defined in NRS 640C.080 or 19 structural integration as that term is defined in NRS 640C.085; 20 (l) Provides mental health services that are exclusive to the 21 scope of practice of a psychiatrist licensed pursuant to chapter 630 22 or 633 of NRS, or a psychologist licensed pursuant to chapter 641 of 23 NRS; or 24 (m) Engages in the practice of applied behavior analysis in 25 violation of chapter 641D of NRS. 26 2. Any person providing wellness services in this State who is 27 not licensed, certified or registered in this State as a provider of 28 health care and who is advertising or charging a fee for wellness 29 services shall, before providing those services, disclose to each 30 client in a plainly worded written statement: 31 (a) The person’s name, business address and telephone number; 32 (b) The fact that he or she is not licensed, certified or registered 33 as a provider of health care in this State; 34 (c) The nature of the wellness services to be provided; 35 (d) The degrees, training, experience, credentials and other 36 qualifications of the person regarding the wellness services to be 37 provided; and 38 (e) A statement in substantially the following form: 39 40 It is recommended that before beginning any wellness 41 plan, you notify your primary care physician or other licensed 42 providers of health care of your intention to use wellness 43 services, the nature of the wellness services to be provided 44 and any wellness plan that may be utilized. It is also 45 – 6 – - *SB397* recommended that you ask your primary care physician or 1 other licensed providers of health care about any potential 2 drug interactions, side effects, risks or conflicts between any 3 medications or treatments prescribed by your primary care 4 physician or other licensed providers of health care and the 5 wellness services you intend to receive. 6 7 A person who provides wellness services shall obtain from each 8 client a signed copy of the statement required by this subsection, 9 provide the client with a copy of the signed statement at the time of 10 service and retain a copy of the signed statement for a period of not 11 less than 5 years. 12 3. A written copy of the statement required by subsection 2 13 must be posted in a prominent place in the treatment location of the 14 person providing wellness services in at least 12-point font. 15 Reasonable accommodations must be made for clients who: 16 (a) Are unable to read; 17 (b) Are blind or visually impaired; 18 (c) Have communication impairments; or 19 (d) Do not read or speak English or any other language in which 20 the statement is written. 21 4. Any advertisement for wellness services authorized pursuant 22 to this section must disclose that the provider of those services is not 23 licensed, certified or registered as a provider of health care in this 24 State. 25 5. A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty 26 of a misdemeanor. Before a criminal proceeding is commenced 27 against a person for a violation of a provision of this section, a 28 notification, educational or mediative approach must be utilized by 29 the regulatory body enforcing the provisions of this section to bring 30 the person into compliance with such provisions. 31 6. This section does not apply to or control: 32 (a) Any health care practice by a provider of health care 33 pursuant to the professional practice laws of this State, or prevent 34 such a health care practice from being performed. 35 (b) Any health care practice if the practice is exempt from the 36 professional practice laws of this State, or prevent such a health care 37 practice from being performed. 38 (c) A person who provides health care services if the person is 39 exempt from the professional practice laws of this State, or prevent 40 the person from performing such a health care service. 41 (d) A medical assistant, as that term is defined in NRS 630.0129 42 and 633.075, an advanced practitioner of homeopathy, as that term 43 is defined in NRS 630A.015, [or] a homeopathic assistant, as that 44 – 7 – - *SB397* term is defined in NRS 630A.035 [.] or a naturopathic assistant, as 1 that term is defined in section 10 of this act. 2 7. As used in this section, “wellness services” means healing 3 arts therapies and practices, and the provision of products, that are 4 based on the following complementary health treatment approaches 5 and which are not otherwise prohibited by subsection 1: 6 (a) Anthroposophy. 7 (b) Aromatherapy. 8 (c) Traditional cultural healing practices. 9 (d) Detoxification practices and therapies. 10 (e) Energetic healing. 11 (f) Folk practices. 12 (g) Gerson therapy and colostrum therapy. 13 (h) Healing practices using food, dietary supplements, nutrients 14 and the physical forces of heat, cold, water and light. 15 (i) Herbology and herbalism. 16 (j) Reiki. 17 (k) Mind-body healing practices. 18 (l) Nondiagnostic iridology. 19 (m) Noninvasive instrumentalities. 20 (n) Holistic kinesiology. 21 Sec. 3. NRS 629.600 is hereby amended to read as follows: 22 629.600 1. A psychotherapist shall not provide any 23 conversion therapy to a person who is under 18 years of age 24 regardless of the willingness of the person or his or her parent or 25 legal guardian to authorize such therapy. 26 2. Any violation of subsection 1 is a ground for disciplinary 27 action by a state board that licenses a psychotherapist as defined in 28 subsection 3. 29 3. As used in this section: 30 (a) “Conversion therapy” means any practice or treatment that 31 seeks to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person, 32 including, without limitation, a practice or treatment that seeks to 33 change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce 34 sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward persons of the 35 same gender. The term does not include counseling that: 36 (1) Provides assistance to a person undergoing gender 37 transition; or 38 (2) Provides acceptance, support and understanding of a 39 person or facilitates a person’s ability to cope, social support and 40 identity exploration and development, including, without limitation, 41 an intervention to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe 42 sexual practices that is neutral as to the sexual-orientation of the 43 person receiving the intervention and does not seek to change the 44 – 8 – - *SB397* sexual orientation or gender identity of the person receiving the 1 intervention. 2 (b) “Psychotherapist” means: 3 (1) A psychiatrist licensed to practice medicine in this State 4 pursuant to chapter 630 of NRS; 5 (2) A homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, 6 advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant or 7 naturopathic assistant licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 8 630A of NRS; 9 (3) A psychiatrist licensed to practice medicine in this State 10 pursuant to chapter 633 of NRS; 11 (4) A psychologist licensed to practice in this State pursuant 12 to chapter 641 of NRS; 13 (5) A social worker licensed in this State as an independent 14 social worker or a clinical social worker pursuant to chapter 641B of 15 NRS; 16 (6) A registered nurse holding a master’s degree in the field 17 of psychiatric nursing and licensed to practice professional nursing 18 in this State pursuant to chapter 632 of NRS; 19 (7) A marriage and family therapist or clinical professional 20 counselor licensed in this State pursuant to chapter 641A of NRS; or 21 (8) A person who provides counseling services as part of his 22 or her training for any of the professions listed in subparagraphs (1) 23 to (7), inclusive. 24 Sec. 4. Chapter 630A of NRS is hereby amended by adding 25 thereto the provisions set forth as sections 5 to 31, inclusive, of this 26 act. 27 Sec. 5. “Approved school of naturopathic medicine” means a 28 school or college: 29 1. Determined by the Board to have an educational program 30 that meets the standards prescribed by the Council on 31 Naturopathic Medical Education, or its successor agency; and 32 2. That offers a course of study that: 33 (a) Upon successful completion, results in the awarding of the 34 degree of doctor of naturopathic medicine; and 35 (b) Is accredited or a candidate for accreditation by an 36 accrediting agency recognized by: 37 (1) The United States Secretary of Education as a 38 specialized accrediting agency for schools of naturopathic 39 medicine or its successor agency; or 40 (2) The Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its 41 successor agency. 42 Sec. 6. “Dangerous drug” has the meaning ascribed to it in 43 NRS 454.201. 44 – 9 – - *SB397* Sec. 7. “Drug” has the meaning ascribed to it in 1 NRS 453.081. 2 Sec. 8. “Healing art” means any system, treatment, 3 diagnosis, prescription or practice for the ascertainment, cure, 4 relief, palliation, adjustment or correction of any human disease, 5 ailment, deformity, injury, or unhealthy or abnormal physical or 6 mental condition for the practice of which long periods of 7 specialized education and training and a degree of specialized 8 knowledge of an intellectual as well as physical nature are 9 required. 10 Sec. 9. “Natural substance” means a homeopathic, 11 botanical, nutritional or other supplement that: 12 1. Does not require a prescription pursuant to federal law 13 before it is prescribed, dispensed or otherwise furnished to a 14 patient; and 15 2. Is prescribed by a naturopathic physician to enhance 16 health, prevent disease or treat a medical condition diagnosed by 17 the naturopathic physician. 18 Sec. 10. “Naturopathic assistant” means a person who: 19 1. Satisfies the educational requirements prescribed by the 20 Board; 21 2. Is qualified to perform naturopathic medical services 22 under the supervision of a naturopathic physician; and 23 3. Has been issued a certificate as a naturopathic assistant by 24 the Board. 25 Sec. 11. “Naturopathic medicine” means: 26 1. A system of medicine employing accepted procedures for 27 diagnosis and treatment of human disorders, including the 28 prescribing and administering of drugs and using diet and 29 nutrition, including vitamins, fresh or dried herbs, minerals, 30 enzymes and tissue concentrates and manual manipulation, 31 including the physical, chemical and other properties of heat, 32 light, water and electricity. 33 2. To perform any of the acts described in subsection 1 by 34 using equipment that transfers information concerning the 35 medical condition of the patient electronically, telephonically or by 36 fiber optics, including, without limitation, through telehealth, as 37 defined in NRS 629.515 from within or outside this State or the 38 United States. 39 Sec. 12. “Naturopathic physician” means a person who: 40 1. Is a graduate of an approved school of naturopathic 41 medicine; and 42 2. Has been issued a license to practice naturopathic 43 medicine from the Board. 44 Sec. 13. “Prescription drug” means: 45 – 10 – - *SB397* 1. A controlled substance or dangerous drug that may be 1 dispensed to an ultimate user only pursuant to a lawful 2 prescription; and 3 2. Any other substance or drug substituted for such a 4 controlled substance or dangerous drug. 5 Sec. 14. “Specialist” means a naturopathic physician who 6 has successfully completed approved postdoctoral training, who is 7 certified by a specialty board of examiners recognized by the 8 Board and who is certified by the Board to practice a specialty 9 pursuant to section 27 of this act. 10 Sec. 15. 1. Every person desiring to practice naturopathic 11 medicine as a naturopathic physician must, before beginning to 12 practice, procure from the Board a license authorizing such 13 practice. 14 2. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 630A.225, a license 15 may be issued to any person who: 16 (a) Is of good moral character; 17 (b) Is a graduate of an approved school of naturopathic 18 medicine located in the United States or Canada; 19 (c) Has satisfactorily completed an internship, preceptorship 20 or fellowship training program in naturopathic medicine approved 21 by the Board; 22 (d) Has passed all examinations required by the Board or this 23 chapter; and 24 (e) Meets any additional requirements established by the 25 Board, including, without limitation, requirements established by 26 regulations adopted by the Board. 27 Sec. 16. 1. A naturopathic physician may: 28 (a) Order and perform physical and laboratory examinations 29 for diagnostic purposes, including, without limitation, phlebotomy, 30 clinical laboratory tests, orifical examinations and physiological 31 function tests; 32 (b) Order diagnostic imaging studies, consistent with 33 naturopathic training as determined by the Board; 34 (c) Subject to the provisions of section 18 of this act, where 35 applicable, dispense, administer, order, prescribe and furnish or 36 perform the following: 37 (1) Food, extracts of food, nutraceuticals, vitamins, amino 38 acids, minerals, enzymes, botanicals and their extracts, botanical 39 medicines, homeopathic medicines, hormones, drugs and all 40 dietary supplements, consistent with the routes of administration 41 set forth in paragraph (d); 42 (2) Hot or cold hydrotherapy, naturopathic physical 43 medicine, electromagnetic energy, colon hydrotherapy and 44 therapeutic exercise; 45 – 11 – - *SB397* (3) Devices, including, without limitation, therapeutic 1 devices, barrier contraception and durable medical equipment; 2 (4) Immunizations; 3 (5) Health education and health counseling; 4 (6) Repair and care for incidental and superficial 5 lacerations and abrasions; 6 (7) Removal of foreign bodies located in the superficial 7 tissues; and 8 (8) Musculoskeletal manipulation consistent with the 9 education and training of a naturopathic physician as determined 10 by the Board; and 11 (d) Use routes of administration that include, without 12 limitation, oral, nasal, auricular, ocular, rectal, vaginal, 13 transdermal, intradermal, subcutaneous, intravenous and 14 intramuscular. 15 2. The Board shall adopt regulations relating to intravenous 16 routes of administration. The regulations must identify and 17 exclude nutrients that are not suitable for intravenous 18 administration. 19 3. As used in this section: 20 (a) “Dietary supplement” has the meaning ascribed to it in 21 21 U.S.C. § 321. 22 (b) “Nutrient” means a substance that provides nourishment 23 for growth or metabolism and that: 24 (1) Is manufactured and supplied for intravenous use by a 25 manufacturer registered with the United States Food and Drug 26 Administration; or 27 (2) Compounded by a pharmacy licensed pursuant to 28 chapter 639 of NRS. 29 Sec. 17. 1. A naturopathic physician may administer a 30 natural substance through the means of intramuscular, 31 intravenous, subcutaneous and intradermal injections. 32 2. To qualify to administer intravenous therapy in his or her 33 practice pursuant to this section and section 16 of this act, a 34 naturopathic physician must submit to the Board an attestation 35 that he or she has completed training in intravenous therapy 36 approved by the Board. At a minimum, the training must consist 37 of 16 hours, at least 8 of which must be at a graduate level from a 38 school approved by the Board, and must include all of the 39 following topics relating to intravenous therapy: 40 (a) Indications; 41 (b) Contraindications; 42 (c) Formularies; 43 (d) Emergency protocols; 44 (e) Osmolarity calculation; 45 – 12 – - *SB397* (f) Aseptic techniques; and 1 (g) Proper documentation. 2 3. The naturopathic physician shall retain documentation of 3 his or her training for at least 3 years after the date of the 4 attestation described in subsection 2. 5 4. A naturopathic physician who uses injection or 6 intravenous therapy must have a plan to manage adverse events, 7 including, without limitation, sensitivity, allergy, overdose or other 8 unintended reactions. 9 Sec. 18. 1. Subject to the provisions of subsection 2, where 10 applicable, a naturopathic physician may dispense a natural 11 substance, drug or device to a patient for a condition being 12 diagnosed or treated by the naturopathic physician if: 13 (a) The naturopathic physician is certified to dispense by the 14 Board. 15 (b) The natural substance, drug or device is dispensed and, if 16 required by federal law, properly labeled with the following 17 information: 18 (1) The name, address and telephone number of the 19 dispensing naturopathic physician and a prescription number or 20 other method of identifying the prescription; 21 (2) The date on which the natural substance, drug or device 22 is dispensed; 23 (3) The patient’s name; and 24 (4) The name and strength of the natural substance, drug 25 or device, directions for proper and appropriate use and any 26 cautionary statements for the natural substance, drug or device. If 27 a generic drug is dispensed, the manufacturer’s name must be 28 included. 29 (c) The dispensing naturopathic physician enters into the 30 patient’s medical record the name and strength of the natural 31 substance, drug or device dispensed, the date on which the natural 32 substance, drug or device is dispensed and the therapeutic reason. 33 (d) The dispensing naturopathic physician keeps all 34 prescription drugs and devices in a secured cabinet or room, 35 controls access to the cabinet or room by a written procedure and 36 maintains an ongoing inventory of its contents. 37 2. A naturopathic physician: 38 (a) May dispense morphine, any controlled substance listed in 39 schedule II, III, IV or V which is also a homeopathic preparation, 40 controlled substances listed in schedule III, IV or V which are not 41 narcotics and any controlled substance which is newly classified 42 as schedule II after January 1, 2026, if the naturopathic physician 43 has registered with the State Board of Pharmacy pursuant to NRS 44 453.226; and 45 – 13 – - *SB397* (b) Shall not dispense controlled substances except as 1 authorized by paragraph (a). 2 3. Except in an emergency, a naturopathic physician who 3 dispenses a natural substance, drug or device without being 4 certified to dispense by the Board is subject to the imposition of a 5 civil penalty by the Board of not less than $100 and not more than 6 $500 for each transaction and may be prohibited from further 7 dispensing for a period determined by the Board. 8 4. Before delivering a natural substance, drug or device to a 9 patient pursuant to this section, the treating naturopathic 10 physician shall give the patient or the patient’s legal guardian a 11 written prescription and must inform the patient or the patient’s 12 legal guardian that the prescription may be filled by the 13 prescribing physician or the pharmacy of the patient’s choice. If 14 the patient chooses to have the medication delivered by the 15 naturopathic physician, the naturopathic physician must retrieve 16 the written prescription and place it in a prescription file kept by 17 the naturopathic physician. 18 5. A naturopathic physician shall provide supervision to a 19 registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or attendant involved in 20 the dispensing process. For the purposes of this subsection, 21 “supervision” means that the naturopathic physician is available 22 in person or by telephone. 23 6. This section does not prohibit a registered nurse or 24 licensed practical nurse employed by a naturopathic physician 25 from assisting in the delivery of natural substances, drugs and 26 devices in accordance with this chapter. 27 7. The Board shall adopt regulations regarding the 28 dispensing of a natural substance, drug or device, including 29 regulations prescribing: 30 (a) The procedure to become certified by the Board to engage 31 in such dispensing; and 32 (b) Requirements governing the labeling, recordkeeping, 33 storage and packaging of natural substances, drugs and devices 34 that are consistent with the requirements of chapters 453 and 454 35 of NRS. 36 8. As used in this section, “dispense” means to deliver a 37 natural substance, drug or device to an ultimate user, patient or 38 subject of research by or pursuant to the lawful order of a 39 naturopathic physician, including the prescribing by a 40 naturopathic physician, administering, packaging, labeling or 41 compounding necessary to prepare the natural substance, drug or 42 device for that delivery. 43 Sec. 19. 1. An applicant for a license to practice 44 naturopathic medicine must pass: 45 – 14 – - *SB397* (a) The Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination or its 1 successor administered by the North American Board of 2 Naturopathic Examiners; and 3 (b) A practical examination approved by the Board with a 4 grade of at least 75 percent, unless a higher standard is required 5 for passing the examination, that tests the applicant’s knowledge 6 and understanding of: 7 (1) The laws and regulations of this State relating to the 8 health and safety of the public in the practice of naturopathic 9 medicine; and 10 (2) Additional subject areas which are not covered by the 11 examination described in paragraph (a). 12 2. The Board may establish by regulation: 13 (a) The additional subject areas to be included in the practical 14 examination; and 15 (b) Specific methods for the administration of the practical 16 examination. 17 3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, the Board 18 shall offer the practical examination at least twice each year at the 19 time and place established by the Board. 20 4. The Board may cancel a scheduled practical examination 21 if, within 60 days before the examination, the Board has not 22 received a request to take the examination. 23 5. A person who fails the practical examination described in 24 paragraph (b) of subsection 1 may retake the examination as 25 provided in section 20 of this act. 26 6. The Board may employ other professional consultants or 27 examining services in conducting an examination pursuant to this 28 section. 29 7. Each member of the Board who is not licensed in any state 30 to practice any healing art may not participate in preparing, 31 conducting or grading any examination required by the Board. 32 Sec. 20. 1. If an applicant for a license to practice 33 naturopathic medicine fails in a first examination administered by 34 the Board pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of section 19 35 of this act, the applicant may be reexamined after not less than 6 36 months. 37 2. If an applicant fails in a second examination, he or she 38 may not be reexamined within less than 1 year after the date of the 39 second examination, and before such reexamination he or she 40 must furnish to the Board proof of further postgraduate study in 41 naturopathic medicine that: 42 (a) Was completed after the second examination; and 43 (b) Is satisfactory to the Board. 44 – 15 – - *SB397* 3. Each applicant who fails an examination and whom the 1 Board authorizes to be reexamined shall pay for each 2 reexamination the reexamination fee prescribed by the Board. 3 Sec. 21. 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 630A.225, 4 the Board may issue to an applicant who is a graduate of a 5 naturopathic medical school from an institution outside of the 6 United States or Canada a license to practice naturopathic 7 medicine if the applicant submits to the Board proof that the 8 applicant: 9 (a) Is of good moral character; 10 (b) Is a graduate of an approved school of naturopathic 11 medicine; 12 (c) Has completed a program of clinical training; 13 (d) Has completed a 2-year internship training program or 14 postgraduate training satisfactory to the Board; 15 (e) Has passed all examinations required by the Board or this 16 chapter; and 17 (f) Meets any additional requirements established by the 18 Board, including, without limitation, requirements established by 19 regulations adopted by the Board. 20 2. In addition to the proofs required by subsection 1, the 21 Board may take such further evidence and require such further 22 proof of the professional and moral qualifications of the applicant 23 as in its discretion may be deemed proper. 24 3. If the applicant is a diplomate of an approved specialty 25 board recognized by this Board, the Board may waive the 26 requirements of paragraph (e) of subsection 1. 27 Sec. 22. 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 630A.225, 28 the Board may issue a license to practice naturopathic medicine by 29 endorsement to a person who meets the requirements set forth in 30 this section, including, without limitation, that the person has been 31 issued a license to practice naturopathic medicine by: 32 (a) The District of Columbia or any state or territory of the 33 United States; or 34 (b) Another country if that country requires a written 35 examination that is substantially equivalent to the written 36 examination required pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of 37 section 19 of this act. 38 2. To qualify for a license pursuant to this section, at the time 39 the person files an application with the Board: 40 (a) The license of the applicant to practice naturopathic 41 medicine in a jurisdiction described in paragraph (a) or (b) of 42 subsection 1 must be in effect and unrestricted; and 43 (b) The applicant must: 44 – 16 – - *SB397* (1) If the applicant was issued a license described in 1 paragraph (a) of subsection 1 before January 1, 2015, provide 2 proof: 3 (I) Of completion of a course of at least 60 hours in 4 pharmacotherapeutics; and 5 (II) That the applicant passed an examination at the 6 completion of the course; 7 (2) Within the 3 years immediately preceding the 8 application, have been continuously and actively engaged in: 9 (I) The practice of naturopathic medicine as a 10 naturopathic physician; 11 (II) An internship, preceptorship or fellowship training 12 program in naturopathic medicine approved by the Board; 13 (III) Postgraduate training satisfactory to the Board; or 14 (IV) The study of naturopathic medicine as a resident at 15 an approved school of naturopathic medicine; 16 (3) Not be involved in or have pending any disciplinary 17 action concerning a license to practice naturopathic medicine in 18 the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United 19 States; 20 (4) Provide information on all the medical malpractice 21 claims brought against him or her, without regard to when the 22 claims were filed or how the claims were resolved; 23 (5) Pass the practical examination required pursuant to 24 paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of section 19 of this act; and 25 (6) Meet all statutory requirements to obtain a license to 26 practice naturopathic medicine in this State except that the 27 applicant is not required to meet the requirements set forth in 28 section 15 or 19 of this act other than passing the practical 29 examination specified in paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of section 30 19 of this act. 31 3. Any person applying for a license by endorsement 32 pursuant to this section shall pay in advance to the Board the 33 application and initial license fee set forth in NRS 630A.330. 34 4. A license by endorsement may be issued at a meeting of the 35 Board or between its meetings by the President of the Board. Such 36 action shall be deemed to be an action of the Board. 37 Sec. 23. The Board shall not issue or renew a license to 38 practice naturopathic medicine unless the applicant for issuance 39 or renewal of the license attests to knowledge of and compliance 40 with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and 41 Prevention concerning the prevention of transmission of 42 infectious agents through safe and appropriate injection practices. 43 Sec. 24. 1. The Board may issue a certificate as a 44 naturopathic assistant to an applicant who is qualified under the 45 – 17 – - *SB397* regulations of the Board and who has completed an educational 1 program designed to prepare the applicant to perform 2 naturopathic services under the supervision of a naturopathic 3 physician. 4 2. The Board may approve or deny an application for 5 certification as a naturopathic assistant and shall provide notice to 6 the applicant of its decision. 7 3. The Board may adopt regulations regarding the 8 certification of a naturopathic assistant pursuant to this section, 9 which may include, without limitation: 10 (a) The educational and other qualifications of applicants; and 11 (b) The naturopathic medical services that such a naturopathic 12 assistant is authorized to perform under the terms of the certificate 13 if the services are performed: 14 (1) Under the supervision and control of a naturopathic 15 physician; and 16 (2) Within the scope of the license of the supervising 17 naturopathic physician; 18 (c) The tasks that the naturopathic assistant may perform, 19 without supervision, provided that those tasks must not involve 20 diagnosing or treating the condition of a patient; 21 (d) The establishment of requirements for the continuing 22 education of naturopathic assistants; and 23 (e) The eligibility requirements for a naturopathic physician to 24 supervise a naturopathic assistant certified pursuant to this 25 section. 26 4. If the naturopathic physician who is supervising a 27 naturopathic assistant certified pursuant to this section withdraws 28 from supervision, the certificate of the naturopathic assistant is 29 automatically suspended. 30 5. A person shall not use the title “naturopathic assistant” or 31 a related title, abbreviation or other designation while engaged in 32 providing naturopathic medical services as a naturopathic 33 assistant in this State unless that person holds a certificate issued 34 by the Board pursuant to this section. 35 Sec. 25. 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 630A.225, 36 the Board may issue to a qualified applicant a certificate to 37 participate in a program of clinical training for naturopathic 38 medicine if the applicant: 39 (a) Is enrolled in an approved school of naturopathic 40 medicine; and 41 (b) Complies with any other requirements prescribed by the 42 Board. 43 – 18 – - *SB397* 2. The Board may issue a certificate to participate in a 1 program of clinical training for not more than 1 year, but may 2 renew the certificate. 3 3. The Board may adopt regulations regarding the 4 certification of a student pursuant to this section, which may 5 include, without limitation: 6 (a) The naturopathic medical services that such a student is 7 authorized to perform under the terms of the certificate if the 8 services are performed: 9 (1) Under the supervision and control of a naturopathic 10 physician; and 11 (2) Within the scope of the license of the supervising 12 naturopathic physician; 13 (b) The tasks that the student may perform without 14 supervision, provided that those tasks must not involve diagnosing 15 or treating the condition of a patient; and 16 (c) The eligibility requirements for a naturopathic physician to 17 supervise a student certified pursuant to this section. 18 4. If the naturopathic physician who is supervising a student 19 pursuant to this section withdraws from supervision or if the 20 student ceases to be enrolled in an approved school of 21 naturopathic medicine, his or her certificate to participate in a 22 program of clinical training is automatically suspended. 23 5. A person shall not use the title “naturopathic medical 24 student” or a related title, abbreviation or other designation while 25 engaged in a program of clinical training in this State unless that 26 person holds a certificate issued by the Board pursuant to this 27 section. 28 6. The holder of a certificate issued by the Board pursuant to 29 this section is subject to the regulatory and disciplinary authority 30 of the Board to the same extent as a licensed naturopathic 31 physician, and is subject to discipline for the same grounds as a 32 licensed naturopathic physician. 33 Sec. 26. 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 630A.225, 34 the Board may issue to a qualified applicant a certificate to 35 participate in a naturopathic medicine internship, preceptorship or 36 fellowship training program if the applicant: 37 (a) Is a graduate of an approved school of naturopathic 38 medicine; and 39 (b) Complies with any other requirements prescribed by the 40 Board. 41 2. The Board may issue a certificate to participate in a 42 naturopathic medicine internship, preceptorship or fellowship 43 training program for not more than 1 year, but may renew the 44 certificate. 45 – 19 – - *SB397* 3. The Board may adopt regulations regarding the 1 certification of a person pursuant to this section which may 2 include, without limitation: 3 (a) The naturopathic medical services that such a person is 4 authorized to perform under the terms of the certificate if the 5 services are performed: 6 (1) Under the supervision and control of a naturopathic 7 physician; and 8 (2) Within the scope of the license of the supervising 9 naturopathic physician; 10 (b) The tasks that the person may perform without supervision, 11 provided that those tasks must not involve diagnosing or treating 12 the condition of a patient; and 13 (c) The eligibility requirements for a naturopathic physician to 14 supervise a person certified pursuant to this section. 15 4. If the naturopathic physician who is supervising a person 16 certified pursuant to this section withdraws from supervision, the 17 certificate to participate in an internship, preceptorship or 18 fellowship training program is automatically suspended. 19 5. A person certified pursuant to this section must not: 20 (a) Employ the naturopathic physician who supervises the 21 person; or 22 (b) Have any financial interest in the business owned by the 23 naturopathic physician who supervises the person. 24 6. A person shall not use the title “naturopathic trainee,” 25 “naturopathic intern,” “naturopathic preceptee” or “naturopathic 26 fellow” or a related title, abbreviation or other designation while 27 engaged in an internship, preceptorship or fellowship training 28 program in this State unless that person holds a certificate issued 29 by the Board pursuant to this section. 30 7. The holder of a certificate issued by the Board pursuant to 31 this section is subject to the regulatory and disciplinary authority 32 of the Board to the same extent as a licensed naturopathic 33 physician, and is subject to discipline for the same grounds as a 34 licensed naturopathic physician. 35 Sec. 27. 1. The Board may grant a certificate as a specialist 36 practitioner of naturopathy to a person who: 37 (a) Holds a license to practice naturopathic medicine in this 38 State; 39 (b) Has successfully completed a postgraduate training 40 program, approved by the Board, in the specialty; and 41 (c) Is currently certified in the specialty by an approved 42 specialty board recognized by the Board. 43 2. A certificate issued to a naturopathic physician pursuant to 44 this section must be concurrently renewed, suspended or revoked 45 – 20 – - *SB397* with the naturopathic physician’s license to practice naturopathic 1 medicine. 2 3. The Board may adopt regulations relating to naturopathic 3 medical specialties, including, without limitation, regulations 4 establishing additional requirements for naturopathic physicians 5 who wish to be certified to practice a naturopathic medical 6 specialty. 7 Sec. 28. All state and local governmental regulations relative 8 to the reporting of births and deaths in any matter pertaining to 9 the public health apply to naturopathic physicians with the same 10 effect as to physicians of other schools of medicine. Such reports 11 by naturopathic physicians must be accepted by the officers of the 12 agency to which they are made. 13 Sec. 29. The following acts, among others, constitute 14 grounds for initiating disciplinary action or denying licensure: 15 1. Failure to maintain timely, legible, accurate and complete 16 medical records relating to the diagnosis, treatment and care of a 17 patient. 18 2. Altering the medical records of a patient. 19 3. Making or filing a report which the homeopathic 20 physician, naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of 21 homeopathy, homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant 22 knows to be false, failing to file a record or report as required by 23 law or willfully obstructing or inducing another to obstruct such 24 filing. 25 4. Failure to make the medical records of a patient available 26 for inspection and copying as provided in NRS 629.061. 27 5. Failure to report any person the homeopathic physician, 28 naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of homeopathy, 29 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant knows, or has 30 reason to know, is in violation of the provisions of this chapter or 31 any regulation adopted pursuant thereto within 30 days after the 32 date on which the homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, 33 advanced practitioner of homeopathy, homeopathic assistant or 34 naturopathic assistant knew or had reason to know of the 35 violation. 36 Sec. 30. 1. Except as otherwise provided by subsection 2, a 37 homeopathic physician may, during the provision of neural 38 therapy or orthomolecular therapy, dispense, administer and 39 prescribe any drug, including, without limitation, a controlled 40 substance or dangerous drug, if the administration and dosage of 41 the drug is medically appropriate and consistent with the current 42 standards of the practice of homeopathic medicine and any other 43 standard or regulation adopted by the Board applicable to neural 44 therapy or orthomolecular therapy, as applicable. 45 – 21 – - *SB397* 2. A homeopathic physician may prescribe, dispense and 1 administer a controlled substance or dangerous drug for purposes 2 other than those described in subsection 1 only: 3 (a) If the controlled substance or dangerous drug is described 4 in the official Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States; 5 (b) In an amount suitable for a single use; and 6 (c) For the purpose of diluting the controlled substance or 7 dangerous drug into a homeopathic preparation at a dosage 8 prescribed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United 9 States. 10 3. In addition to satisfying the requirements of subsection 1 11 or 2, as applicable, a homeopathic physician who prescribes, 12 dispenses or administers a controlled substance must be registered 13 with the State Board of Pharmacy pursuant to NRS 453.226. 14 4. A homeopathic physician shall not dispense, administer or 15 prescribe a controlled substance that is a narcotic drug or opiate 16 which is listed in schedule II for control by the State Board of 17 Pharmacy pursuant to NRS 453.146, unless the controlled 18 substance is described in the official Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia 19 of the United States and used in a manner and at a dosage 20 authorized by that publication. 21 5. The Board shall adopt regulations regarding the 22 dispensing, administration and prescribing of drugs pursuant to 23 this section that are consistent with the requirements of chapters 24 453 and 454 of NRS. 25 Sec. 31. 1. Upon diagnosing a patient as having an opioid 26 use disorder, a naturopathic physician shall counsel and provide 27 information to the patient concerning evidence-based treatment 28 for opioid use disorders, including, without limitation, medication-29 assisted treatment. 30 2. If the patient requests medication-assisted treatment, the 31 naturopathic physician shall refer the patient to a physician, 32 osteopathic physician, physician assistant licensed pursuant to 33 chapter 630 or 633 of NRS, advanced practice registered nurse or 34 pharmacist who is authorized to prescribe an appropriate 35 medication. 36 3. As used in this section, “medication-assisted treatment” 37 has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 639.28079. 38 Sec. 32. NRS 630A.010 is hereby amended to read as follows: 39 630A.010 As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise 40 requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 630A.015 to 41 630A.075, inclusive, and sections 5 to 14, inclusive, of this act 42 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections. 43 – 22 – - *SB397* Sec. 33. NRS 630A.020 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 630A.020 “Board” means the Nevada Board of Homeopathic 2 and Naturopathic Medical Examiners. 3 Sec. 34. NRS 630A.030 is hereby amended to read as follows: 4 630A.030 “Gross malpractice” means malpractice where the 5 failure to exercise the requisite degree of care, diligence or skill 6 consists of: 7 1. Ministering to a patient while the homeopathic physician, 8 naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or] 9 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant is under the 10 influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. 11 2. Gross negligence. 12 3. Willful disregard of homeopathic medical procedures [.] or 13 naturopathic procedures, as applicable. 14 4. Willful and consistent use of homeopathic medical 15 procedures, services or treatment or naturopathic procedures, 16 services or treatment considered by homeopathic physicians or 17 naturopathic physicians, as applicable, in the community to be 18 inappropriate or unnecessary in the cases where used. 19 Sec. 35. NRS 630A.040 is hereby amended to read as follows: 20 630A.040 “Homeopathic medicine” or “homeopathy” means a 21 system of medicine employing substances of animal, vegetable, 22 chemical or mineral origin, including: 23 1. Nosodes and sarcodes, which are: 24 (a) Given in micro-dosage, except that sarcodes may be given in 25 macro-dosage; 26 (b) Prepared according to homeopathic pharmacology by which 27 the formulation of homeopathic preparations is accomplished by the 28 methods of Hahnemannian dilution and succussion or magnetically 29 energized geometric patterns applicable in potencies above 30X, as 30 defined in the official Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United 31 States; and 32 (c) Prescribed by homeopathic physicians or advanced 33 practitioners of homeopathy according to the medicines and dosages 34 in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, 35 in accordance with the principle that a substance which produces 36 symptoms in a healthy person can eliminate those symptoms in an 37 ill person. 38 2. Noninvasive electrodiagnosis, cell therapy, neural therapy, 39 herbal therapy, neuromuscular integration, orthomolecular therapy 40 and nutrition. 41 3. The administration and prescribing of drugs in the course 42 of performing neural therapy and orthomolecular therapy, in 43 accordance with the requirements of section 30 of this act. 44 – 23 – - *SB397* Sec. 36. NRS 630A.060 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 630A.060 “Malpractice” means failure on the part of a 2 homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, advanced 3 practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant or 4 naturopathic assistant to exercise the degree of care, diligence and 5 skill ordinarily exercised by homeopathic physicians, naturopathic 6 physicians, advanced practitioners of homeopathy , [or] 7 homeopathic assistants [,] or naturopathic assistants, respectively, 8 in good standing in the community in which he or she practices. As 9 used in this section, “community” embraces the entire area 10 customarily served by homeopathic physicians, naturopathic 11 physicians, advanced practitioners of homeopathy , [and] 12 homeopathic assistants and naturopathic assistants among whom a 13 patient may reasonably choose, not merely the particular area 14 inhabited by the patients of that individual homeopathic physician, 15 naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or] 16 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant or the particular 17 city or place where the homeopathic physician, naturopathic 18 physician, advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic 19 assistant or naturopathic assistant has an office. 20 Sec. 37. NRS 630A.070 is hereby amended to read as follows: 21 630A.070 “Professional incompetence” means lack of ability 22 safely and skillfully to practice homeopathic medicine or 23 naturopathic medicine or one or more specified branches of 24 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine as a homeopathic 25 physician [,] or naturopathic physician, as applicable, or to 26 practice as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as] a 27 homeopathic assistant [,] or as a naturopathic assistant, as 28 applicable, arising from: 29 1. Lack of knowledge or training. 30 2. Impaired physical or mental capability of the homeopathic 31 physician, naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of 32 homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant [.] or naturopathic 33 assistant. 34 3. Indulgence in the use of alcohol or any controlled substance. 35 4. Any other sole or contributing cause. 36 Sec. 38. NRS 630A.080 is hereby amended to read as follows: 37 630A.080 The purpose of licensing homeopathic physicians 38 and naturopathic physicians and certifying advanced practitioners 39 of homeopathy , [and] homeopathic assistants and naturopathic 40 assistants is to protect the public health and safety and the general 41 welfare of the people of this State. Any license or certificate issued 42 pursuant to this chapter is a revocable privilege and no holder of 43 such a license or certificate acquires thereby any vested right. 44 – 24 – - *SB397* Sec. 39. NRS 630A.090 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 630A.090 1. This chapter does not apply to: 2 (a) The practice of dentistry, chiropractic, naprapathy, Oriental 3 medicine, podiatry, optometry, perfusion, respiratory care, faith or 4 Christian Science healing, nursing, veterinary medicine or fitting 5 hearing aids. 6 (b) A medical officer of the Armed Forces or a medical officer 7 of any division or department of the United States in the discharge 8 of his or her official duties, including, without limitation, providing 9 medical care in a hospital in accordance with an agreement entered 10 into pursuant to NRS 449.2455. 11 (c) Licensed or certified nurses in the discharge of their duties as 12 nurses. 13 (d) Except as otherwise provided in section 25 of this act, the 14 practice of naturopathic medicine by a student who is enrolled in 15 an approved school of naturopathic medicine if the performance 16 of services is pursuant to a course of instruction and under the 17 supervision of a naturopathic physician. 18 (e) Homeopathic physicians or naturopathic physicians who 19 are called into this State, other than on a regular basis, for 20 consultation or assistance to any physician licensed in this State, and 21 who are legally qualified to practice in the state or country where 22 they reside. 23 2. This chapter does not repeal or affect any statute of Nevada 24 regulating or affecting any other healing art. 25 3. This chapter does not prohibit: 26 (a) Gratuitous services of a person in case of emergency. 27 (b) The domestic administration of family remedies. 28 (c) A person who is engaged in the sale of vitamins or herbs 29 from providing information about those products. 30 (d) A person who is licensed, certified or otherwise authorized 31 pursuant to the laws of this State from performing services within 32 his or her authorized scope of practice, including, without 33 limitation, rendering advice concerning: 34 (1) Diet and nutrition; 35 (2) Nonprescription products; and 36 (3) Vitamins, minerals, herbs, natural food products and 37 their extracts and nutritional supplements. 38 4. This chapter does not authorize [a] : 39 (a) A homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician to 40 practice medicine, including allopathic medicine, except as 41 otherwise provided in NRS 630A.040 [.] or section 11 of this act. 42 (b) A homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician to 43 represent himself or herself as being licensed or certified by any 44 – 25 – - *SB397* other licensing board in this State unless the person holds a 1 license or certificate issued by that board. 2 Sec. 40. NRS 630A.100 is hereby amended to read as follows: 3 630A.100 The Nevada Board of Homeopathic and 4 Naturopathic Medical Examiners consists of [six] eight members 5 appointed by the Governor. After the initial terms, the term of office 6 of each member is 4 years. 7 Sec. 41. NRS 630A.110 is hereby amended to read as follows: 8 630A.110 1. Two members of the Board must be persons 9 who are licensed to practice allopathic or osteopathic medicine in 10 any state or country, the District of Columbia or a territory or 11 possession of the United States, have been engaged in the practice 12 of homeopathic medicine in this State for a period of more than 2 13 years preceding their respective appointments, are actually engaged 14 in the practice of homeopathic medicine in this State and are 15 residents of this State. 16 2. Two members of the Board must be persons who are 17 licensed to practice naturopathic medicine in this State, have been 18 engaged in the practice of naturopathic medicine in this State for 19 a period of more than 2 years preceding their respective 20 appointments, are actually engaged in the practice of naturopathic 21 medicine in this State and are residents of this State. 22 3. One member of the Board must be an advanced practitioner 23 of homeopathy who holds a valid certificate granted by the Board 24 pursuant to NRS 630A.293. 25 [3.] 4. One member of the Board must be a person who has 26 resided in this State for at least 3 years and who represents the 27 interests of persons or agencies that regularly provide health care to 28 patients who are indigent, uninsured or unable to afford health care. 29 This member may be licensed under the provisions of this chapter. 30 [4.] 5. The remaining two members of the Board must be 31 persons who: 32 (a) Are not licensed in any state to practice any healing art; 33 (b) Are not the spouse or the parent or child, by blood, marriage 34 or adoption, of a person licensed in any state to practice any healing 35 art; 36 (c) Are not actively engaged in the administration of any 37 medical facility or facility for the dependent as defined in chapter 38 449 of NRS; 39 (d) Do not have a pecuniary interest in any matter pertaining to 40 such a facility, except as a patient or potential patient; and 41 (e) Have resided in this State for at least 3 years. 42 [5.] 6. The members of the Board must be selected without 43 regard to their individual political beliefs. 44 – 26 – - *SB397* [6. As used in this section, “healing art” means any system, 1 treatment, operation, diagnosis, prescription or practice for the 2 ascertainment, cure, relief, palliation, adjustment or correction of 3 any human disease, ailment, deformity, injury, or unhealthy or 4 abnormal physical or mental condition for the practice of which 5 long periods of specialized education and training and a degree of 6 specialized knowledge of an intellectual as well as physical nature 7 are required.] 8 Sec. 42. NRS 630A.155 is hereby amended to read as follows: 9 630A.155 The Board shall: 10 1. Regulate the practice of homeopathic medicine and 11 naturopathic medicine in this State and any activities that are 12 within the scope of such practice, to protect the public health and 13 safety and the general welfare of the people of this State. 14 2. Determine the qualifications of, and examine, applicants for 15 licensure or certification pursuant to this chapter, and specify by 16 regulation the methods to be used to check the background of such 17 applicants. 18 3. License or certify those applicants it finds to be qualified. 19 4. Investigate and, if required, hear and decide in a manner 20 consistent with the provisions of chapter 622A of NRS all 21 complaints made against any homeopathic physician, naturopathic 22 physician, advanced practitioner of homeopathy, homeopathic 23 assistant , naturopathic assistant or any agent or employee of any 24 of them, or any facility where the primary practice is homeopathic 25 medicine [.] or naturopathic medicine. If a complaint concerns a 26 practice which is within the jurisdiction of another licensing board 27 or any other possible violation of state law, the Board shall refer the 28 complaint to the other licensing board. 29 5. Unless the Board determines that extenuating circumstances 30 exist, forward to the appropriate law enforcement agency any 31 substantiated information submitted to the Board concerning a 32 person who practices or offers to practice homeopathic medicine or 33 naturopathic medicine without the appropriate license or certificate 34 issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. 35 Sec. 43. NRS 630A.220 is hereby amended to read as follows: 36 630A.220 1. It is unlawful for any person: 37 (a) To practice homeopathic medicine [;] or naturopathic 38 medicine; 39 (b) To hold himself or herself out as qualified to practice 40 homeopathic medicine [;] or naturopathic medicine; or 41 (c) To use in connection with his or her name the words or 42 letters “H.M.D. [”] ,” “N.M.D.” or any other title, word, letter or 43 other designation intended to imply or designate the person as a 44 practitioner of homeopathic medicine [,] or naturopathic medicine, 45 – 27 – - *SB397* in this State without first obtaining a license so to do as provided 1 in this chapter. 2 2. A physician licensed pursuant to this chapter who holds a 3 degree such as doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy may 4 identify himself or herself by that degree or its appropriate 5 abbreviation, but unless the physician is also licensed pursuant to 6 chapter 630 or 633 of NRS must further identify himself or herself 7 by the words “practitioner of homeopathic medicine” or 8 “practitioner of naturopathic medicine,” as applicable, or their 9 equivalent. 10 Sec. 44. NRS 630A.225 is hereby amended to read as follows: 11 630A.225 1. The Board shall not issue a license to practice 12 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or a certificate to 13 practice as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] 14 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant to an applicant who 15 has been licensed or certified to practice any type of medicine in 16 another jurisdiction and whose license or certificate was revoked for 17 gross medical negligence by that jurisdiction. 18 2. The Board may revoke the license or certificate of any 19 person who has been licensed or certified to practice any type of 20 medicine in another jurisdiction and whose license or certificate was 21 revoked for gross medical negligence by that jurisdiction. 22 3. The revocation of a license or certificate to practice any type 23 of medicine in another jurisdiction on grounds other than grounds 24 which would constitute gross medical negligence constitutes 25 grounds for initiating disciplinary action or denying the issuance of 26 a license or certificate. 27 4. If a license or certificate to practice any type of medicine 28 issued to an applicant in another jurisdiction has been revoked or 29 surrendered, the applicant must provide proof satisfactory to the 30 Board that the applicant is rehabilitated with respect to the conduct 31 that was the basis for the revocation or surrender of the license or 32 certificate when submitting an application for a license or certificate 33 to the Board. 34 5. The Board shall vacate an order to deny a license or 35 certificate if the denial is based on a conviction of: 36 (a) A felony for a violation or offense described in paragraph 37 (a), (b) or (d) of subsection 2 of NRS 630A.340; or 38 (b) An offense involving moral turpitude, 39 and the conviction is reversed on appeal. An applicant may 40 resubmit an application for a license or certificate after a court 41 enters an order reversing the conviction. 42 6. If the Board finds that an applicant has committed an act or 43 engaged in conduct that constitutes grounds for initiating 44 disciplinary action or denying the issuance of a license or certificate 45 – 28 – - *SB397* as set forth in NRS 630A.340 to 630A.380, inclusive, and section 1 29 of this act, the Board shall investigate whether the act or conduct 2 has been corrected or the matter has otherwise been resolved. If the 3 matter has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the Board, the 4 Board, before issuing a license or certificate, shall determine to its 5 satisfaction whether or not mitigating circumstances exist which 6 prevent the resolution of the matter. 7 7. For the purposes of this section, the Board shall adopt by 8 regulation a definition of gross medical negligence. 9 Sec. 45. NRS 630A.246 is hereby amended to read as follows: 10 630A.246 1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in 11 this chapter: 12 (a) An applicant for the issuance of a license [to practice 13 homeopathic medicine,] or a certificate [as an advanced practitioner 14 of homeopathy or a certificate as a homeopathic assistant] shall 15 include the social security number of the applicant in the application 16 submitted to the Board. 17 (b) An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license [to 18 practice homeopathic medicine,] or a certificate [as an advanced 19 practitioner of homeopathy or a certificate as a homeopathic 20 assistant] shall submit to the Board the statement prescribed by the 21 Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department of 22 Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The 23 statement must be completed and signed by the applicant. 24 2. The Board shall include the statement required pursuant to 25 subsection 1 in: 26 (a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted 27 for the issuance or renewal of the license or certificate; or 28 (b) A separate form prescribed by the Board. 29 3. A license [to practice homeopathic medicine,] or a 30 certificate [as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy or a 31 certificate as a homeopathic assistant] may not be issued or renewed 32 by the Board if the applicant: 33 (a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 34 1; or 35 (b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 36 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a 37 child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by 38 the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for 39 the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order. 40 4. If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant 41 to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the 42 support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan 43 approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing 44 the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the 45 – 29 – - *SB397* order, the Board shall advise the applicant to contact the district 1 attorney or other public agency enforcing the order to determine the 2 actions that the applicant may take to satisfy the arrearage. 3 Sec. 46. NRS 630A.260 is hereby amended to read as follows: 4 630A.260 1. If an applicant for a license to practice 5 homeopathic medicine fails in a first examination, the applicant 6 may be reexamined after not less than 6 months. 7 2. If the applicant fails in a second examination, he or she may 8 not be reexamined within less than 1 year after the date of the 9 second examination. Before taking a third examination, the 10 applicant shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board of 1 year of 11 additional training in homeopathy after the second examination. 12 3. If an applicant fails three consecutive examinations, he or 13 she must show the Board by clear and convincing evidence that 14 extraordinary circumstances justify permitting the applicant to be 15 reexamined again. 16 Sec. 47. NRS 630A.290 is hereby amended to read as follows: 17 630A.290 1. The Board may deny an application for a license 18 [to practice homeopathic medicine] or a certificate [to practice as an 19 advanced practitioner of homeopathy or as a homeopathic assistant] 20 for any violation of the provisions of this chapter or the regulations 21 adopted by the Board. 22 2. The Board shall notify an applicant of any deficiency which 23 prevents any further action on the application or results in the denial 24 of the application. The applicant may respond in writing to the 25 Board concerning any deficiency and, if the applicant does so, the 26 Board shall respond in writing to the contentions of the applicant. 27 3. An unsuccessful applicant may appeal to the district court to 28 review the action of the Board within 30 days after the date of the 29 rejection of the application by the Board. Upon appeal the applicant 30 has the burden to show that the action of the Board is erroneous or 31 unlawful. 32 4. The Board shall maintain records pertaining to applicants to 33 whom licenses and certificates have been issued or denied. The 34 records must be open to the public and must contain: 35 (a) The name of each applicant. 36 (b) For an applicant for a license to practice homeopathic 37 medicine [,] or naturopathic medicine, the name of the school 38 granting the diploma and the date of the diploma. 39 (c) The date of issuance or denial of the license or certificate. 40 (d) The business address of the applicant. 41 Sec. 48. NRS 630A.310 is hereby amended to read as follows: 42 630A.310 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 43 630A.225, the Board may: 44 – 30 – - *SB397* (a) Issue a temporary license, to be effective not more than 6 1 months after issuance, to any homeopathic physician or 2 naturopathic physician who is eligible for a permanent license in 3 this State and who also is of good moral character and reputation. 4 The purpose of the temporary license is to enable an eligible 5 homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician to serve as a 6 substitute for some other homeopathic physician or naturopathic 7 physician who is licensed to practice homeopathic medicine or 8 naturopathic medicine in this State , as applicable, and who is 9 absent from his or her practice for reasons deemed sufficient by the 10 Board. A temporary license issued under the provisions of this 11 paragraph is not renewable. 12 (b) Issue a special license to a licensed homeopathic physician 13 or naturopathic physician of another state to come into Nevada to 14 care for or assist in the treatment of his or her own patients in 15 association with a physician licensed in this State. A special license 16 issued under the provisions of this paragraph is limited to the care of 17 a specific patient. 18 (c) Issue a restricted license for a specified period if the Board 19 determines the applicant needs supervision or restriction. 20 2. A person who is licensed pursuant to paragraph (a), (b) or 21 (c) of subsection 1 shall be deemed to have given consent to the 22 revocation of the license at any time by the Board for any of the 23 grounds provided in NRS 630A.225 or 630A.340 to 630A.380, 24 inclusive [.] , and section 29 of this act. 25 Sec. 49. NRS 630A.320 is hereby amended to read as follows: 26 630A.320 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 27 630A.225, the Board may issue to a qualified applicant a limited 28 license to practice homeopathic medicine as a resident homeopathic 29 physician in a postgraduate program of clinical training if: 30 (a) The applicant is a graduate of an accredited medical school 31 in the United States or Canada or is a graduate of a foreign medical 32 school recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign 33 Medical Graduates and has completed 1 year of supervised clinical 34 training approved by the Board. 35 (b) The Board approves the program of clinical training, and the 36 medical school or other institution sponsoring the program provides 37 the Board with written confirmation that the applicant has been 38 appointed to a position in the program. 39 2. In addition to the requirements of subsection 1, an applicant 40 who is a graduate of a foreign medical school must have received 41 the standard certificate of the Educational Commission for Foreign 42 Medical Graduates. 43 3. The Board may issue this limited license for not more than 1 44 year, but may renew the license. 45 – 31 – - *SB397* 4. The holder of this limited license may practice homeopathic 1 medicine only in connection with his or her duties as a resident 2 physician and shall not engage in the private practice of 3 homeopathic medicine. 4 5. A limited license granted under this section may be revoked 5 by the Board at any time for any of the grounds set forth in NRS 6 630A.225 or 630A.340 to 630A.380, inclusive [.] , and section 29 7 of this act. 8 Sec. 50. NRS 630A.325 is hereby amended to read as follows: 9 630A.325 1. To renew a license or certificate, other than a 10 temporary, special or limited license, issued pursuant to this chapter, 11 each person must, on or before January 1 of each year: 12 (a) Apply to the Board for renewal; 13 (b) Pay the annual fee for renewal set by the Board; 14 (c) Submit, if applicable, a list of all actions filed or claims 15 submitted to arbitration or mediation for malpractice or 16 negligence against the holder of the license or certificate during 17 the immediately preceding year; 18 (d) Submit evidence to the Board of completion of the 19 requirements for continuing education; and 20 [(d)] (e) Submit all information required to complete the 21 renewal. 22 2. The Board shall, as a prerequisite for the renewal or 23 restoration of a license or certificate, other than a temporary, special 24 or limited license [,] or a certificate issued pursuant to section 25 25 or 26 of this act require each holder of a license or certificate to 26 comply with the requirements for continuing education adopted by 27 the Board. 28 3. Any holder who fails to pay the annual fee for renewal and 29 submit all information required to complete the renewal after they 30 become due must be given a period of 60 days in which to pay the 31 fee and submit all required information and, failing to do so, 32 automatically forfeits the right to practice homeopathic medicine or 33 naturopathic medicine or to practice as an advanced practitioner of 34 homeopathy or as a homeopathic assistant [,] or naturopathic 35 assistant, as applicable, and his or her license to practice 36 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or certificate to 37 practice as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy or as a 38 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant in this State is 39 automatically suspended. The holder may, within 2 years after the 40 date his or her license or certificate is suspended, apply for the 41 restoration of the license or certificate. 42 4. The Board shall notify any holder whose license or 43 certificate is automatically suspended pursuant to subsection 3 and 44 – 32 – - *SB397* send a copy of the notice to the Drug Enforcement Administration 1 of the United States Department of Justice or its successor agency. 2 Sec. 51. NRS 630A.330 is hereby amended to read as follows: 3 630A.330 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection [6,] 4 8, each applicant for a license to practice homeopathic medicine or 5 naturopathic medicine must: 6 (a) Pay a fee of $800; and 7 (b) Pay the cost of obtaining such further evidence and proof of 8 qualifications as the Board may require pursuant to subsection 2 of 9 NRS 630A.240 [.] or subsection 2 of section 21 of this act. 10 2. Each applicant for a certificate to dispense a natural 11 substance, drug or device as a naturopathic physician pursuant to 12 section 18 of this act must pay a fee of $100. 13 3. Each applicant for a certificate as a specialist practitioner 14 of naturopathy pursuant to section 27 of this act must pay a fee of 15 $100. 16 4. Each applicant for a certificate as an advanced practitioner 17 of homeopathy must: 18 (a) Pay a fee of $500; and 19 (b) Pay the cost of obtaining such further evidence and proof of 20 qualifications as the Board may require pursuant to NRS 630A.295. 21 [3.] 5. Each applicant for a certificate as a homeopathic 22 assistant or naturopathic assistant must pay a fee of $300. 23 [4.] 6. Each applicant for a license or certificate who fails an 24 examination and who is permitted to be reexamined must pay a fee 25 not to exceed $600 for each reexamination. 26 [5.] 7. If an applicant for a license or certificate does not appear 27 for examination, for any reason deemed sufficient by the Board, the 28 Board may, upon request, refund a portion of the application fee not 29 to exceed 50 percent of the fee. There must be no refund of the 30 application fee if an applicant appears for examination. 31 [6.] 8. Each applicant for a license or certificate issued under 32 the provisions of NRS 630A.310 or 630A.320 or section 25 or 26 of 33 this act must pay a fee not to exceed $400, as determined by the 34 Board, and must pay a fee of $250 for each renewal of the license [. 35 7.] or certificate. 36 9. The fee for the renewal of a license or certificate, as 37 determined by the Board, must be collected for the year in which a 38 homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, advanced 39 practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant or 40 naturopathic assistant is licensed or certified and must not exceed: 41 (a) For a homeopathic physician [,] or a naturopathic 42 physician, $2,000 per year. 43 (b) For an advanced practitioner of homeopathy, $1,500 per 44 year. 45 – 33 – - *SB397* (c) For a homeopathic assistant [,] or a naturopathic assistant, 1 $1,000 per year. 2 [8.] (d) For a certificate to dispense a natural substance, drug 3 or device as a naturopathic physician pursuant to section 18 of 4 this act, $150 per year. 5 (e) For a certificate as a specialist practitioner of naturopathy 6 issued pursuant to section 27 of this act, $150 per year. 7 10. The fee for the restoration of a suspended license or 8 certificate is twice the amount of the fee for the renewal of a license 9 or certificate at the time of the restoration of the license or 10 certificate. 11 Sec. 52. NRS 630A.340 is hereby amended to read as follows: 12 630A.340 The following acts, among others, constitute 13 grounds for initiating disciplinary action or denying the issuance of 14 a license or certificate: 15 1. Unprofessional conduct. 16 2. Conviction of: 17 (a) A violation of any federal or state law regulating the 18 possession, distribution or use of any controlled substance or any 19 dangerous drug as defined in chapter 454 of NRS; 20 (b) A violation of any of the provisions of NRS 616D.200, 21 616D.220, 616D.240, 616D.300, 616D.310, or 616D.350 to 22 616D.440, inclusive; 23 (c) Any offense involving moral turpitude; or 24 (d) Any offense relating to the practice of homeopathic medicine 25 or naturopathic medicine or the ability to practice homeopathic 26 medicine or naturopathic medicine or the practice, or the ability to 27 practice, as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] 28 homeopathic assistant [.] or naturopathic assistant. 29 A plea of nolo contendere to any offense listed in this subsection 30 shall be deemed a conviction. 31 3. The suspension, modification or limitation of a license or 32 certificate to practice any type of medicine or to perform any type of 33 medical services by any other jurisdiction. 34 4. The surrender of a license or certificate to practice any type 35 of medicine or to perform any type of medical services or the 36 discontinuance of the practice of medicine while under investigation 37 by any licensing or certifying authority, medical facility, facility for 38 the dependent, branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, 39 insurance company, agency of the Federal Government or employer. 40 5. Gross or repeated malpractice, which may be evidenced by 41 claims of malpractice settled against a homeopathic physician, 42 naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or] 43 homeopathic assistant [.] or naturopathic assistant. 44 6. Professional incompetence. 45 – 34 – - *SB397* 7. Failure of a homeopathic physician to adequately 1 supervise a homeopathic assistant pursuant to any regulations 2 adopted by the Board. 3 8. Failure of a naturopathic physician to adequately 4 supervise a naturopathic assistant or a participant in a program of 5 clinical training for naturopathic medicine or a participant in a 6 naturopathic internship, preceptorship or fellowship training 7 program pursuant to any regulations adopted by the Board. 8 Sec. 53. NRS 630A.350 is hereby amended to read as follows: 9 630A.350 The following acts, among others, constitute 10 grounds for initiating disciplinary action or denying the issuance of 11 a license or certificate: 12 1. Willfully making a false or fraudulent statement or 13 submitting a forged or false document in applying for a license to 14 practice homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or a 15 certificate to practice as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , 16 [or as a] homeopathic assistant [.] or naturopathic assistant. 17 2. Willfully representing with the purpose of obtaining 18 compensation or other advantages for himself or herself or for any 19 other person that a manifestly incurable disease or injury or other 20 manifestly incurable condition can be permanently cured. 21 3. Obtaining, maintaining or renewing, or attempting to obtain, 22 maintain or renew, a license to practice homeopathic medicine or 23 naturopathic medicine or a certificate to practice as an advanced 24 practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic assistant or 25 naturopathic assistant by bribery, fraud or misrepresentation or by 26 any false, misleading, inaccurate or incomplete statement. 27 4. Advertising the practice of homeopathic medicine or 28 naturopathic medicine or practice as an advanced practitioner of 29 homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic assistant or naturopathic 30 assistant in a false, deceptive or misleading manner. 31 5. Practicing or attempting to practice homeopathic medicine 32 [,] or naturopathic medicine, or practicing or attempting to practice 33 as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic 34 assistant [,] or naturopathic assistant under a name other than the 35 name under which the person practicing or attempting to practice is 36 licensed or certified. 37 6. Signing a blank prescription form. 38 7. Influencing a patient in order to engage in sexual activity 39 with the patient or another person. 40 8. Attempting directly or indirectly, by way of intimidation, 41 coercion or deception, to obtain or retain a patient or to discourage a 42 patient from obtaining a second opinion. 43 – 35 – - *SB397* 9. Terminating the medical care of a patient without giving 1 adequate notice or making other arrangements for the continued care 2 of the patient. 3 Sec. 54. NRS 630A.360 is hereby amended to read as follows: 4 630A.360 The following acts, among others, constitute 5 grounds for initiating disciplinary action or denying the issuance of 6 a license: 7 1. Directly or indirectly receiving from any person any fee, 8 commission, rebate or other form of compensation which tends or is 9 intended to influence the homeopathic physician’s or naturopathic 10 physician’s objective evaluation or treatment of a patient. 11 2. Dividing a fee between homeopathic physicians [,] or 12 naturopathic physicians, as applicable, unless the patient is 13 informed of the division of fees and the division is made in 14 proportion to the services personally performed and the 15 responsibility assumed by each homeopathic physician [.] or 16 naturopathic physician, as applicable. 17 3. Charging for visits to the homeopathic physician’s or 18 naturopathic physician’s office which did not occur or for services 19 which were not rendered or documented in the records of the 20 patient. 21 4. Employing, directly or indirectly, any suspended or 22 unlicensed person in the practice of homeopathic medicine [,] or 23 naturopathic medicine, or the aiding, abetting or assisting of any 24 unlicensed person to practice homeopathic medicine or 25 naturopathic medicine contrary to the provisions of this chapter or 26 the regulations adopted by the Board. 27 5. Advertising the services of an unlicensed person in the 28 practice of homeopathic medicine [.] or naturopathic medicine. 29 6. Delegating responsibility for the care of a patient to a person 30 whom the homeopathic or naturopathic physician knows, or has 31 reason to know, is not qualified to undertake that responsibility. 32 7. Failing to disclose to a patient any financial or other conflict 33 of interest affecting the care of the patient. 34 Sec. 55. NRS 630A.370 is hereby amended to read as follows: 35 630A.370 The following acts, among others, constitute 36 grounds for initiating disciplinary action or denying the issuance of 37 a license or certificate: 38 1. Inability to practice homeopathic medicine or naturopathic 39 medicine or to practice as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , 40 [or as a] homeopathic assistant [,] or naturopathic assistant, as 41 applicable, with reasonable skill and safety because of an illness, a 42 mental or physical condition or an alcohol or other substance use 43 disorder. 44 2. Engaging in any: 45 – 36 – - *SB397* (a) Professional conduct which is intended to deceive or which 1 the Board by regulation has determined is unethical. 2 (b) Medical practice harmful to the public or any conduct 3 detrimental to the public health, safety or morals which does not 4 constitute gross or repeated malpractice or professional 5 incompetence. 6 3. Administering, dispensing or prescribing any controlled 7 substance [,] or dangerous drug as defined in chapter 454 of NRS 8 except as authorized by law. 9 4. Performing, assisting or advising an unlawful abortion or in 10 the injection of any liquid substance into the human body to cause 11 an abortion. 12 5. Performing, assisting or advising in the injection of any 13 liquid silicone substance into the human body. 14 6. Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope permitted 15 by law, or performing services which the homeopathic physician, 16 naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or] 17 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant knows or has 18 reason to know he or she is not competent to perform. 19 [6.] 7. Performing any procedure without first obtaining the 20 informed consent of the patient or the patient’s family or prescribing 21 any therapy which by the current standards of the practice of 22 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine is experimental. 23 [7.] 8. Continued failure to exercise the skill or diligence or use 24 the methods ordinarily exercised under the same circumstances by 25 homeopathic physicians, naturopathic physicians, advanced 26 practitioners of homeopathy , [and] homeopathic assistants and 27 naturopathic assistants in good standing who practice homeopathy 28 and electrodiagnosis [,] or naturopathic medicine, as applicable. 29 [8.] 9. Operation of a medical facility, as defined in NRS 30 449.0151, at any time during which: 31 (a) The license of the facility is suspended or revoked; or 32 (b) An act or omission occurs which results in the suspension or 33 revocation of the license pursuant to NRS 449.160. 34 This subsection applies to an owner or other principal responsible 35 for the operation of the facility. 36 [9.] 10. Performing or supervising the performance of a pelvic 37 examination in violation of NRS 629.085. 38 Sec. 56. NRS 630A.380 is hereby amended to read as follows: 39 630A.380 The following acts, among others, constitute 40 grounds for initiating disciplinary action or denying the issuance of 41 a license or certificate: 42 1. Willful disclosure of a communication privileged under a 43 statute or court order. 44 – 37 – - *SB397* 2. Willful failure to comply with any provision of this chapter, 1 regulation, subpoena or order of the Board or with any court order 2 relating to this chapter. 3 3. Willful failure to perform any statutory or other legal 4 obligation imposed upon a licensed homeopathic physician [,] or a 5 licensed naturopathic physician or a certified advanced practitioner 6 of homeopathy , [or] a certified homeopathic assistant [,] or a 7 certified naturopathic assistant, as applicable. 8 Sec. 57. NRS 630A.390 is hereby amended to read as follows: 9 630A.390 1. Any person who becomes aware that a person 10 practicing homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or 11 practicing as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] 12 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant in this State has, is 13 or is about to become engaged in conduct which constitutes grounds 14 for initiating disciplinary action may file a written complaint with 15 the Board. A complaint may be filed anonymously. If a complaint is 16 filed anonymously, the Board may accept the complaint but may 17 refuse to consider the complaint if anonymity of the complainant 18 makes processing the complaint impossible or unfair to the person 19 who is the subject of the complaint. 20 2. Any medical society or medical facility or facility for the 21 dependent licensed in this State shall report to the Board the 22 initiation and outcome of any disciplinary action against any 23 homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, advanced 24 practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant or 25 naturopathic assistant concerning the care of a patient or the 26 competency of the homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, 27 advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant [.] 28 or naturopathic assistant. 29 3. The clerk of every court shall report to the Board any 30 finding, judgment or other determination of the court that a 31 homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, advanced 32 practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant [:] or 33 naturopathic assistant: 34 (a) Is mentally ill; 35 (b) Is mentally incompetent; 36 (c) Has been convicted of a felony or any law relating to 37 controlled substances or dangerous drugs; 38 (d) Is guilty of abuse or fraud under any state or federal program 39 providing medical assistance; or 40 (e) Is liable for damages for malpractice or negligence. 41 4. The Board shall retain all complaints filed with the Board 42 pursuant to this section for at least 10 years, including, without 43 limitation, any complaints not acted upon. 44 – 38 – - *SB397* Sec. 58. NRS 630A.400 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 630A.400 1. The Board or a committee of its members 2 designated by the Board shall review every complaint filed with the 3 Board and conduct an investigation to determine whether there is a 4 reasonable basis for compelling a homeopathic physician or 5 naturopathic physician to take a mental or physical examination or 6 an examination of his or her competence to practice homeopathic 7 medicine [.] or naturopathic medicine. 8 2. If a committee is designated, it must be composed of at least 9 three members of the Board, at least one of whom is : 10 (a) If the complaint is filed against a homeopathic physician, a 11 licensed homeopathic physician. 12 (b) If the complaint is filed against a naturopathic physician, a 13 licensed naturopathic physician. 14 3. If, from the complaint or from other official records, it 15 appears that the complaint is not frivolous and the complaint 16 charges gross or repeated malpractice, the Board may: 17 (a) Retain the Attorney General to investigate the complaint; and 18 (b) If the Board retains the Attorney General, transmit the 19 original complaint, along with further facts or information derived 20 from its own review, to the Attorney General. 21 4. Following an investigation, the committee shall present its 22 evaluation and recommendations to the Board. The Board shall 23 review the committee’s findings to determine whether to take any 24 further action, but a member of the Board who participated in the 25 investigation may not participate in this review or in any subsequent 26 hearing or action taken by the Board. 27 Sec. 59. NRS 630A.420 is hereby amended to read as follows: 28 630A.420 1. If the Board or its investigative committee has 29 reason to believe that the conduct of any homeopathic physician or 30 naturopathic physician has raised a reasonable question as to his or 31 her competence to practice homeopathic medicine or naturopathic 32 medicine , as applicable, with reasonable skill and safety to patients, 33 it may order the homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician 34 to undergo: 35 (a) A mental or physical examination; or 36 (b) An examination of his or her competence to practice 37 homeopathic medicine [,] or naturopathic medicine, 38 by physicians or others designated by the Board to assist the 39 Board in determining the fitness of the homeopathic physician or 40 naturopathic physician to practice homeopathic medicine [.] or 41 naturopathic medicine, as applicable. 42 2. For the purposes of this section: 43 (a) Every homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician 44 who applies for a license or is licensed under this chapter shall be 45 – 39 – - *SB397* deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical 1 examination or an examination of his or her competence to practice 2 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine when directed to 3 do so in writing by the Board or an investigative committee of the 4 Board. 5 (b) The testimony or reports of the examining physicians are not 6 privileged communications. 7 3. Except in extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the 8 Board, the failure of a homeopathic physician or naturopathic 9 physician licensed under this chapter to submit to an examination 10 when directed as provided in this section constitutes an admission of 11 the charges against the homeopathic physician [.] or naturopathic 12 physician. 13 Sec. 60. NRS 630A.430 is hereby amended to read as follows: 14 630A.430 If the Board has reason to believe that the conduct of 15 any homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician has raised a 16 reasonable question as to his or her competence to practice 17 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine with reasonable 18 skill and safety to patients, the Board may order an examination of 19 the homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician to determine 20 his or her fitness to practice homeopathic medicine [.] or 21 naturopathic medicine, as applicable. When such action is taken, 22 the reasons for the action must be documented and must be available 23 to the homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician being 24 examined. 25 Sec. 61. NRS 630A.440 is hereby amended to read as follows: 26 630A.440 Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 622A of 27 NRS, if the Board issues an order summarily suspending the license 28 of a homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician pending 29 proceedings for disciplinary action and requires the homeopathic 30 physician or naturopathic physician to submit to a mental or 31 physical examination or an examination of his or her competence to 32 practice homeopathic medicine [,] or naturopathic medicine, as 33 applicable, the examination must be conducted and the results 34 obtained not later than 60 days after the Board issues its order. 35 Sec. 62. NRS 630A.450 is hereby amended to read as follows: 36 630A.450 Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 622A of 37 NRS, if the Board issues an order summarily suspending the license 38 of a homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician pending 39 proceedings for disciplinary action, including, without limitation, a 40 summary suspension pursuant to NRS 233B.127, the court shall not 41 stay that order. 42 Sec. 63. NRS 630A.490 is hereby amended to read as follows: 43 630A.490 Except as otherwise provided in chapter 622A of 44 NRS: 45 – 40 – - *SB397* 1. Service of process made under this chapter must be either 1 personal or by registered or certified mail with return receipt 2 requested, addressed to the homeopathic physician, naturopathic 3 physician, advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic 4 assistant or naturopathic assistant at his or her last known address. 5 If personal service cannot be made and if notice by mail is returned 6 undelivered, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board shall cause notice 7 to be published once a week for 4 consecutive weeks in a newspaper 8 published in the county of the last known address of the 9 homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, advanced 10 practitioner of homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant or 11 naturopathic physician or, if no newspaper is published in that 12 county, then in a newspaper widely distributed in that county. 13 2. Proof of service of process or publication of notice made 14 under this chapter must be filed with the Board and recorded in the 15 minutes of the Board. 16 Sec. 64. NRS 630A.500 is hereby amended to read as follows: 17 630A.500 Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 622A of 18 NRS, in any disciplinary hearing: 19 1. Proof of actual injury need not be established. 20 2. A certified copy of the record of a court or a licensing or 21 certifying agency showing a conviction or plea of nolo contendere 22 or the suspension, revocation, limitation, modification, denial or 23 surrender of a license to practice homeopathic medicine or 24 naturopathic medicine or a certificate to practice as an advanced 25 practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic assistant or 26 naturopathic assistant is conclusive evidence of its occurrence. 27 Sec. 65. NRS 630A.510 is hereby amended to read as follows: 28 630A.510 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 29 630A.150, any member of the Board who was not a member of the 30 investigative committee, if one was appointed, may participate in 31 the final order of the Board. If the Board, after notice and a hearing 32 as required by law, determines that a violation of the provisions of 33 this chapter or the regulations adopted by the Board has occurred, it 34 shall issue and serve on the person charged an order, in writing, 35 containing its findings and any sanctions imposed by the Board. If 36 the Board determines that no violation has occurred, it shall dismiss 37 the charges, in writing, and notify the person that the charges have 38 been dismissed. 39 2. If the Board finds that a violation has occurred, it may by 40 order: 41 (a) Place the person on probation for a specified period on any 42 of the conditions specified in the order. 43 (b) Administer to the person a public reprimand. 44 – 41 – - *SB397* (c) Limit the practice of the person or exclude a method of 1 treatment from the scope of his or her practice. 2 (d) Suspend the license or certificate of the person for a 3 specified period or until further order of the Board. 4 (e) Revoke the person’s license to practice homeopathic 5 medicine or naturopathic medicine or certificate to practice as an 6 advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic 7 assistant [.] or naturopathic assistant. 8 (f) Require the person to participate in a program to correct an 9 alcohol or other substance use disorder or any other impairment. 10 (g) Require supervision of the person’s practice. 11 (h) Impose an administrative fine not to exceed $10,000. 12 (i) Require the person to perform community service without 13 compensation. 14 (j) Require the person to take a physical or mental examination 15 or an examination of his or her competence to practice homeopathic 16 medicine or naturopathic medicine or to practice as an advanced 17 practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic assistant [,] or 18 naturopathic assistant, as applicable. 19 (k) Require the person to fulfill certain training or educational 20 requirements. 21 3. The Board shall not administer a private reprimand. 22 4. An order that imposes discipline and the findings of fact and 23 conclusions of law supporting that order are public records. 24 Sec. 66. NRS 630A.520 is hereby amended to read as follows: 25 630A.520 1. Any person aggrieved by a final order of the 26 Board is entitled to judicial review of the Board’s order as provided 27 by law. 28 2. Every order of the Board which limits the practice of 29 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or the practice of 30 an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or of a] homeopathic 31 assistant or naturopathic assistant or suspends or revokes a license 32 or certificate is effective from the date the Secretary-Treasurer of 33 the Board certifies the order until the date the order is modified or 34 reversed by a final judgment of the court. The court shall not stay 35 the order of the Board pending a final determination by the court. 36 3. The district court shall give a petition for judicial review of 37 the Board’s order priority over other civil matters which are not 38 expressly given priority by law. 39 Sec. 67. NRS 630A.530 is hereby amended to read as follows: 40 630A.530 1. Any person: 41 (a) Whose practice of homeopathic medicine or naturopathic 42 medicine has been limited; or 43 (b) Whose license to practice homeopathic medicine or 44 naturopathic medicine or certificate to practice as an advanced 45 – 42 – - *SB397* practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic assistant or 1 naturopathic assistant has been: 2 (1) Suspended until further order; or 3 (2) Revoked, 4 may apply to the Board for removal of the limitation or 5 suspension or may apply to the Board pursuant to the provisions of 6 chapter 622A of NRS for reinstatement of the revoked license or 7 certificate. 8 2. In hearing the application, the Board or a committee of 9 members of the Board: 10 (a) May require the applicant to submit to a mental or physical 11 examination or an examination of his or her competence to practice 12 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or to practice as 13 an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic 14 assistant [,] or naturopathic assistant, as applicable, by physicians 15 or other persons whom it designates and submit such other evidence 16 of changed conditions and of fitness as it deems proper. 17 (b) Shall determine whether under all the circumstances the time 18 of the application is reasonable. 19 (c) May deny the application or modify or rescind its order as it 20 deems the evidence and the public safety warrants. 21 3. The applicant has the burden of proving by clear and 22 convincing evidence that the requirements for reinstatement of the 23 license or certificate or removal of the limitation or suspension have 24 been met. 25 4. The Board shall not reinstate a license or certificate unless it 26 is satisfied that the applicant has complied with all of the terms and 27 conditions set forth in the final order of the Board and that the 28 applicant is capable of practicing homeopathic medicine or 29 naturopathic medicine or practicing as an advanced practitioner of 30 homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic assistant [,] or naturopathic 31 assistant, as applicable, with reasonable skill and safety to patients. 32 5. In addition to any other requirements set forth in chapter 33 622A of NRS, to reinstate a license or certificate that has been 34 revoked by the Board, a person must apply for a license or 35 certificate and take an examination as though the person had never 36 been licensed or certified under this chapter. 37 Sec. 68. NRS 630A.540 is hereby amended to read as follows: 38 630A.540 1. In addition to any other immunity provided by 39 the provisions of chapter 622A of NRS: 40 (a) Any person who furnishes information to the Board, in good 41 faith in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, concerning a 42 person who is licensed or certified or applies for a license or 43 certificate under this chapter is immune from civil liability for 44 furnishing that information. 45 – 43 – - *SB397* (b) The Board and its members, staff, counsel, investigators, 1 experts, committees, panels, hearing officers and consultants are 2 immune from civil liability for any decision or action taken in good 3 faith in response to information received by the Board. 4 (c) The Board and any of its members are immune from civil 5 liability for disseminating information concerning a person who is 6 licensed or certified or applies for a license or certificate under this 7 chapter to the Attorney General or any board or agency of the State, 8 hospital, medical society, insurer, employer, patient or patient’s 9 family or law enforcement agency. 10 2. The Board shall not commence an investigation, impose any 11 disciplinary action or take any other adverse action against a 12 homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician for: 13 (a) Disclosing to a governmental entity a violation of any law, 14 rule or regulation by an applicant for a license to practice 15 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or by a 16 homeopathic physician [;] or naturopathic physician; or 17 (b) Cooperating with a governmental entity that is conducting an 18 investigation, hearing or inquiry into such a violation, including, 19 without limitation, providing testimony concerning the violation. 20 3. As used in this section, “governmental entity” includes, 21 without limitation: 22 (a) A federal, state or local officer, employee, agency, 23 department, division, bureau, board, commission, council, authority 24 or other subdivision or entity of a public employer; 25 (b) A federal, state or local employee, committee, member or 26 commission of the Legislative Branch of Government; 27 (c) A federal, state or local representative, member or employee 28 of a legislative body or a county, town, village or any other political 29 subdivision or civil division of the State; 30 (d) A federal, state or local law enforcement agency or 31 prosecutorial office, or any member or employee thereof, or police 32 or peace officer; and 33 (e) A federal, state or local judiciary, or any member or 34 employee thereof, or grand or petit jury. 35 Sec. 69. NRS 630A.543 is hereby amended to read as follows: 36 630A.543 1. If the Board receives a copy of a court order 37 issued pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension of 38 all professional, occupational and recreational licenses, certificates 39 and permits issued to a person who is the holder of a license [to 40 practice homeopathic medicine] or a certificate [to practice as an 41 advanced practitioner of homeopathy or as a homeopathic assistant,] 42 issued pursuant to this chapter, the Board shall deem the license or 43 certificate issued to that person to be suspended at the end of the 44 30th day after the date on which the court order was issued unless 45 – 44 – - *SB397* the Board receives a letter issued to the holder of the license or 1 certificate by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to 2 NRS 425.550 stating that the holder of the license or certificate has 3 complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage 4 pursuant to NRS 425.560. 5 2. The Board shall reinstate a license [to practice homeopathic 6 medicine] or a certificate [to practice as an advanced practitioner of 7 homeopathy or a homeopathic assistant] that has been suspended by 8 a district court pursuant to NRS 425.540 if: 9 (a) The Board receives a letter issued by the district attorney or 10 other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the person whose 11 license or certificate was suspended stating that the person whose 12 license or certificate was suspended has complied with the subpoena 13 or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560; 14 and 15 (b) The person whose license or certificate was suspended pays 16 the fee prescribed in NRS 630A.330 for the reinstatement of a 17 suspended license or certificate. 18 Sec. 70. NRS 630A.550 is hereby amended to read as follows: 19 630A.550 The filing and review of a complaint, its dismissal 20 without further action or its transmittal to the Attorney General, and 21 any subsequent disposition by the Board, the Attorney General or 22 any reviewing court do not preclude: 23 1. Any measure by a hospital or other institution or medical 24 society to limit or terminate the privileges of a homeopathic 25 physician, naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of 26 homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant 27 according to its rules or the custom of the profession. No civil 28 liability attaches to any such action taken without malice even if the 29 ultimate disposition of the complaint is in favor of the homeopathic 30 physician, naturopathic physician, advanced practitioner of 31 homeopathy , [or] homeopathic assistant [.] or naturopathic 32 assistant. 33 2. Any appropriate criminal prosecution by the Attorney 34 General or a district attorney based upon the same or other facts. 35 Sec. 71. NRS 630A.557 is hereby amended to read as follows: 36 630A.557 Any member or agent of the Board may enter any 37 premises in this State where a person who holds a license or 38 certificate issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter practices 39 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine and inspect it to 40 determine whether a violation of any provision of this chapter has 41 occurred, including, without limitation, an inspection to determine 42 whether any person at the premises is practicing homeopathic 43 medicine or naturopathic medicine without the appropriate license 44 or certificate issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. 45 – 45 – - *SB397* Sec. 72. NRS 630A.565 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 630A.565 1. In addition to any other remedy provided by 2 law, the Board, through its President or Secretary-Treasurer or the 3 Attorney General, may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction 4 to: 5 (a) Enjoin any prohibited act or other conduct of a homeopathic 6 physician or naturopathic physician which is harmful to the public; 7 (b) Enjoin any person who is not licensed under this chapter 8 from practicing homeopathic medicine [;] or naturopathic 9 medicine; or 10 (c) Limit a homeopathic physician’s or naturopathic 11 physician’s practice or suspend his or her license to practice 12 homeopathic medicine [.] or naturopathic medicine, as applicable. 13 2. The court in a proper case may issue a temporary restraining 14 order or a preliminary injunction for the purposes of subsection 1: 15 (a) Without proof of actual damage sustained by any person; 16 (b) Without relieving any person from criminal prosecution for 17 engaging in the practice of homeopathic medicine or naturopathic 18 medicine without a license; and 19 (c) Pending proceedings for disciplinary action by the Board. 20 Sec. 73. NRS 630A.570 is hereby amended to read as follows: 21 630A.570 1. The Board through its President or Secretary-22 Treasurer or the Attorney General may maintain in any court of 23 competent jurisdiction a suit for an injunction against any person or 24 persons practicing homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine 25 without a license or practicing as an advanced practitioner of 26 homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic assistant or naturopathic 27 assistant without the appropriate certificate. 28 2. Such an injunction: 29 (a) May be issued without proof of actual damage sustained by 30 any person, this provision being a preventive as well as a punitive 31 measure. 32 (b) Does not relieve such person from criminal prosecution for 33 practicing without a license or certificate. 34 Sec. 74. NRS 630A.580 is hereby amended to read as follows: 35 630A.580 In seeking injunctive relief against any person for an 36 alleged violation of this chapter by practicing homeopathic medicine 37 or naturopathic medicine without a license or practicing as an 38 advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic 39 assistant or naturopathic assistant without the appropriate 40 certificate, it is sufficient to allege that the person did, upon a certain 41 day, and in a certain county of this State, engage in the practice of 42 homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or in the practice 43 of an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or of a] homeopathic 44 assistant or naturopathic assistant without having the appropriate 45 – 46 – - *SB397* license or certificate to do so, without alleging any further or more 1 particular facts concerning the matter. 2 Sec. 75. NRS 630A.590 is hereby amended to read as follows: 3 630A.590 A person who: 4 1. Presents to the Board as his or her own the diploma, license, 5 certificate or credentials of another; 6 2. Gives either false or forged evidence of any kind to the 7 Board; 8 3. Practices homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine 9 or practices as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] 10 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant under a false or 11 assumed name; [or] 12 4. Represents that a school or college is an approved school 13 of naturopathic medicine if the Board has not determined that the 14 school or college is an approved school of naturopathic medicine; 15 or 16 5. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 629.091, or unless a 17 greater penalty is provided pursuant to NRS 200.830 or 200.840, 18 practices homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine or 19 practices as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy , [or as a] 20 homeopathic assistant or naturopathic assistant without being 21 appropriately licensed or certified under this chapter, 22 is guilty of a category D felony and shall be punished as provided 23 in NRS 193.130. 24 Sec. 76. NRS 630A.600 is hereby amended to read as follows: 25 630A.600 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 629.091, a 26 person who practices homeopathic medicine or naturopathic 27 medicine or who practices as an advanced practitioner of 28 homeopathy , [or as a] homeopathic assistant or naturopathic 29 assistant without the appropriate license or certificate issued 30 pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a category D felony and shall be 31 punished as provided in NRS 193.130, unless a greater penalty is 32 provided pursuant to NRS 200.830 or 200.840. 33 2. In addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, if the 34 Board determines that a person is practicing homeopathic medicine 35 or naturopathic medicine without a license or certificate issued 36 pursuant to this chapter, the Board may: 37 (a) Issue and serve on the person an order to cease and desist 38 until the person obtains from the Board the proper license or 39 certificate or otherwise demonstrates that he or she is no longer in 40 violation of subsection 1. An order to cease and desist must include 41 a telephone number with which the person may contact the Board. 42 (b) Issue a citation to the person. A citation issued pursuant to 43 this paragraph must be in writing, describe with particularity the 44 nature of the violation and inform the person of the provisions of 45 – 47 – - *SB397* this paragraph. Each activity in which the person is engaged 1 constitutes a separate offense for which a separate citation may be 2 issued. To appeal a citation, the person must submit a written 3 request for a hearing to the Board not later than 30 days after the 4 date of issuance of the citation. 5 (c) Assess against the person an administrative fine of not more 6 than $5,000. 7 (d) Impose any combination of the penalties set forth in 8 paragraphs (a), (b) and (c). 9 Sec. 77. NRS 633.171 is hereby amended to read as follows: 10 633.171 1. This chapter does not apply to: 11 (a) The practice of medicine or perfusion pursuant to chapter 12 630 of NRS, naturopathic medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, 13 naprapathy, podiatry, optometry, respiratory care, faith or Christian 14 Science healing, nursing, veterinary medicine or fitting hearing aids. 15 (b) A medical officer of the Armed Forces or a medical officer 16 of any division or department of the United States in the discharge 17 of his or her official duties, including, without limitation, providing 18 medical care in a hospital in accordance with an agreement entered 19 into pursuant to NRS 449.2455. 20 (c) Osteopathic physicians who are called into this State, other 21 than on a regular basis, for consultation or assistance to a physician 22 licensed in this State, and who are legally qualified to practice in the 23 state where they reside. 24 (d) Osteopathic physicians who are temporarily exempt from 25 licensure pursuant to NRS 633.420 and are practicing osteopathic 26 medicine within the scope of the exemption. 27 (e) The performance of medical services by a student enrolled in 28 an educational program for a physician assistant which is accredited 29 by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the 30 Physician Assistant, Inc., or its successor organization, as part of 31 such a program. 32 (f) A physician assistant of any division or department of the 33 United States in the discharge of his or her official duties unless 34 licensure by a state is required by the division or department of the 35 United States. 36 (g) Any person permitted to practice any other healing art under 37 this title who does so within the scope of that authority. 38 2. This chapter does not repeal or affect any law of this State 39 regulating or affecting any other healing art. 40 3. This chapter does not prohibit: 41 (a) Gratuitous services of a person in cases of emergency. 42 (b) The domestic administration of family remedies. 43 – 48 – - *SB397* Sec. 78. NRS 634A.025 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 634A.025 1. This chapter does not apply to Oriental 2 physicians who are: 3 (a) Called into this State for consultation; or 4 (b) Temporarily exempt from licensure pursuant to NRS 5 634A.163 and are practicing Oriental medicine within the scope of 6 the exemption. 7 2. This chapter does not apply to a practitioner of acupuncture: 8 (a) Who is employed by an accredited school of Oriental 9 medicine located in this State; 10 (b) Who is licensed to practice acupuncture in another state or 11 jurisdiction; and 12 (c) Whose practice of acupuncture in this State: 13 (1) Is limited to teaching, supervising or demonstrating the 14 methods and practices of acupuncture to students in a clinical 15 setting; and 16 (2) Does not involve the acceptance of payment from any 17 patient for services relating to his or her practice of acupuncture. 18 3. This chapter does not apply to a physician who is licensed 19 pursuant to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic 20 physician who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 21 4. This chapter does not prohibit: 22 (a) Gratuitous services of druggists or other persons in cases of 23 emergency. 24 (b) The domestic administration of family remedies. 25 (c) Any person from assisting any person in the practice of the 26 healing arts licensed under this chapter, except that such person may 27 not insert needles into the skin or prescribe herbal medicine. 28 5. For the purposes of this section, “accredited school of 29 Oriental medicine” means a school that has received at least 30 candidacy status for institutional accreditation from the 31 Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 32 or its successor organization. 33 Sec. 79. NRS 640.190 is hereby amended to read as follows: 34 640.190 This chapter does not authorize a physical therapist, 35 whether licensed or not, to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine, 36 naprapathy, homeopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, 37 chiropractic or any other form or method of healing. 38 Sec. 80. NRS 640B.085 is hereby amended to read as follows: 39 640B.085 “Physician” means: 40 1. A physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630 of NRS; 41 2. An osteopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 633 of 42 NRS; 43 3. A homeopathic physician or naturopathic physician 44 licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS; 45 – 49 – - *SB397* 4. A chiropractic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 634 of 1 NRS; 2 5. A naprapath licensed pursuant to chapter 634B of NRS; or 3 6. A podiatric physician licensed pursuant to chapter 635 of 4 NRS. 5 Sec. 81. NRS 641C.130 is hereby amended to read as follows: 6 641C.130 The provisions of this chapter do not apply to: 7 1. A physician who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of 8 chapter 630 or 633 of NRS [;] or a naturopathic physician licensed 9 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS; 10 2. A nurse who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of chapter 11 632 of NRS and is authorized by the State Board of Nursing to 12 engage in the practice of counseling persons with alcohol and other 13 substance use disorders or the practice of counseling persons with 14 an addictive disorder related to gambling; 15 3. A psychologist who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of 16 chapter 641 of NRS or authorized to practice psychology in this 17 State pursuant to the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact 18 enacted in NRS 641.227; 19 4. A clinical professional counselor or clinical professional 20 counselor intern who is licensed pursuant to chapter 641A of NRS; 21 5. A marriage and family therapist or marriage and family 22 therapist intern who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of chapter 23 641A of NRS and is authorized by the Board of Examiners for 24 Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional 25 Counselors to engage in the practice of counseling persons with 26 alcohol and other substance use disorders or the practice of 27 counseling persons with an addictive disorder related to gambling; 28 6. A person who is: 29 (a) Licensed as: 30 (1) A clinical social worker pursuant to the provisions of 31 chapter 641B of NRS; or 32 (2) A master social worker or an independent social worker 33 pursuant to the provisions of chapter 641B of NRS and is engaging 34 in clinical social work as part of an internship program approved by 35 the Board of Examiners for Social Workers; and 36 (b) Authorized by the Board of Examiners for Social Workers to 37 engage in the practice of counseling persons with alcohol and other 38 substance use disorders or the practice of counseling persons with 39 an addictive disorder related to gambling; or 40 7. A person who provides or supervises the provision of peer 41 recovery support services in accordance with NRS 433.622 to 42 433.641, inclusive. 43 – 50 – - *SB397* Sec. 82. NRS 641C.430 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 641C.430 The Board may issue a certificate as a problem 2 gambling counselor to: 3 1. A person who: 4 (a) Is not less than 21 years of age; 5 (b) Has received a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or a 6 doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in a field of 7 social science approved by the Board; 8 (c) Has completed not less than 60 hours of training specific to 9 problem gambling approved by the Board; 10 (d) Has completed at least 2,000 hours of supervised counseling 11 of persons with an addictive disorder related to gambling in a setting 12 approved by the Board; 13 (e) Passes the written and oral examination prescribed by the 14 Board pursuant to NRS 641C.290; 15 (f) Presents himself or herself when scheduled for an interview 16 at a meeting of the Board; 17 (g) Pays the fees required pursuant to NRS 641C.470; and 18 (h) Submits all information required to complete an application 19 for a certificate. 20 2. A person who: 21 (a) Is not less than 21 years of age; 22 (b) Is licensed as: 23 (1) A clinical social worker pursuant to chapter 641B of 24 NRS; 25 (2) A clinical professional counselor pursuant to chapter 26 641A of NRS; 27 (3) A marriage and family therapist pursuant to chapter 641A 28 of NRS; 29 (4) A physician pursuant to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS [;] or 30 a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of 31 NRS; 32 (5) A nurse pursuant to chapter 632 of NRS and has received 33 a master’s degree or a doctoral degree from an accredited college or 34 university; 35 (6) A psychologist pursuant to chapter 641 of NRS; 36 (7) An alcohol and drug counselor pursuant to this chapter; 37 or 38 (8) A clinical alcohol and drug counselor pursuant to this 39 chapter; 40 (c) Has completed not less than 60 hours of training specific to 41 problem gambling approved by the Board; 42 (d) Has completed at least 1,000 hours of supervised counseling 43 of persons with an addictive disorder related to gambling in a setting 44 approved by the Board; 45 – 51 – - *SB397* (e) Passes the written and oral examination prescribed by the 1 Board pursuant to NRS 641C.290; 2 (f) Pays the fees required pursuant to NRS 641C.470; and 3 (g) Submits all information required to complete an application 4 for a certificate. 5 Sec. 83. NRS 644A.150 is hereby amended to read as follows: 6 644A.150 1. The following persons are exempt from the 7 provisions of this chapter: 8 (a) Except for those provisions relating to advanced estheticians, 9 all persons authorized by the laws of this State to practice nursing, 10 medicine, naturopathic medicine, dentistry, osteopathic medicine, 11 chiropractic, naprapathy or podiatry. 12 (b) Commissioned medical officers of the Armed Forces of the 13 United States when engaged in the actual performance of their 14 official duties, and attendants attached to a unit in a branch of the 15 Armed Forces of the United States that provides medical services. 16 (c) Barbers, insofar as their usual and ordinary vocation and 17 profession is concerned, when engaged in any of the following 18 practices: 19 (1) Cleansing or singeing the hair of any person. 20 (2) Massaging, cleansing, stimulating, exercising or similar 21 work upon the scalp, face or neck of any person, with the hands or 22 with mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, or by the use 23 of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams. 24 (d) Retailers, at a retail establishment, insofar as their usual and 25 ordinary vocation and profession is concerned, when engaged in the 26 demonstration of cosmetics if: 27 (1) The demonstration is without charge to the person to 28 whom the demonstration is given; and 29 (2) The retailer does not advertise or provide a service 30 relating to the practice of cosmetology except cosmetics and 31 fragrances. 32 (e) Photographers or their employees, insofar as their usual and 33 ordinary vocation and profession is concerned, if the photographer 34 or his or her employee does not advertise cosmetological services or 35 the practice of makeup artistry and provides cosmetics without 36 charge to the customer. 37 2. Any school of cosmetology conducted as part of the 38 vocational rehabilitation training program of the Department of 39 Corrections or the Caliente Youth Center: 40 (a) Is exempt from the requirements of paragraph (c) of 41 subsection 2 of NRS 644A.740. 42 (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of NRS 644A.735, shall 43 maintain a staff of at least one licensed instructor. 44 – 52 – - *SB397* 3. Any health care professional, as defined in NRS 453C.030, 1 is exempt from the provisions of this chapter relating to advanced 2 estheticians. 3 Sec. 84. NRS 653.430 is hereby amended to read as follows: 4 653.430 The provisions of this chapter do not apply to: 5 1. A physician or physician assistant licensed pursuant to 6 chapter 630 or 633 of NRS. 7 2. A naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 8 630A of NRS. 9 3. A dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist or expanded 10 function dental assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 631 of NRS or 11 a dental assistant working within the scope of his or her employment 12 under the direct supervision of: 13 (a) A dentist; or 14 (b) Where authorized by NRS 631.287, a dental hygienist who 15 holds a special endorsement to practice public health dental hygiene. 16 [3.] 4. A chiropractic physician or chiropractic assistant 17 licensed pursuant to chapter 634 of NRS. 18 [4.] 5. A person training to become a chiropractic assistant or a 19 student practicing in the preceptor program established by the 20 Chiropractic Physicians’ Board of Nevada pursuant to 21 NRS 634.1375. 22 [5.] 6. A podiatric physician or podiatry hygienist licensed 23 pursuant to chapter 635 of NRS, or a person training to be a podiatry 24 hygienist. 25 [6.] 7. A veterinarian or veterinary technician licensed 26 pursuant to chapter 638 of NRS or any other person performing 27 tasks under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician 28 as authorized by regulation of the Nevada State Board of Veterinary 29 Medical Examiners. 30 [7.] 8. The performance of mammography in accordance with 31 NRS 457.182 to 457.187, inclusive. 32 [8.] 9. Any employee of the Armed Forces of the United States 33 or any division or department of the United States who engages in 34 radiologic imaging or radiation therapy in the discharge of his or her 35 official duties, including, without limitation, while providing care in 36 a hospital in accordance with an agreement entered into pursuant to 37 NRS 449.2455. 38 Sec. 85. NRS 0.040 is hereby amended to read as follows: 39 0.040 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, 40 “physician” means a person who engages in the practice of 41 medicine, including osteopathy , [and] homeopathy [.] and 42 naturopathy. 43 2. The terms “physician,” “osteopathic physician,” 44 “homeopathic physician,” “naturopathic physician,” “chiropractic 45 – 53 – - *SB397* physician” and “podiatric physician” are used in chapters 630, 1 630A, 633, 634 and 635 of NRS in the limited senses prescribed by 2 those chapters respectively. 3 Sec. 86. NRS 7.095 is hereby amended to read as follows: 4 7.095 1. An attorney shall not contract for or collect a fee 5 contingent on the amount of recovery for representing a person 6 seeking damages in connection with an action for injury or death 7 against a provider of health care based upon professional negligence 8 in excess of 35 percent of the amount recovered. 9 2. The limitations set forth in subsection 1 apply to all forms of 10 recovery, including, without limitation, settlement, arbitration and 11 judgment. 12 3. For the purposes of this section, “recovered” means the net 13 sum recovered by the plaintiff after deducting any disbursements or 14 costs incurred in connection with the prosecution or settlement of 15 the claim. Costs of medical care incurred by the plaintiff and general 16 and administrative expenses incurred by the office of the attorney 17 are not deductible disbursements or costs. 18 4. As used in this section: 19 (a) “Professional negligence” means a negligent act or omission 20 to act by a provider of health care in the rendering of professional 21 services, which act or omission is the proximate cause of a personal 22 injury or wrongful death. The term does not include services that are 23 outside the scope of services for which the provider of health care is 24 licensed or services for which any restriction has been imposed by 25 the applicable regulatory board or health care facility. 26 (b) “Provider of health care” means a physician licensed under 27 chapter 630 or 633 of NRS, dentist, naturopathic physician 28 licensed under chapter 630A of NRS, registered nurse, dispensing 29 optician, optometrist, registered physical therapist, podiatric 30 physician, licensed psychologist, chiropractic physician, naprapath, 31 doctor of Oriental medicine, holder of a license or a limited license 32 issued under the provisions of chapter 653 of NRS, medical 33 laboratory director or technician, licensed dietitian or a licensed 34 hospital and its employees. 35 Sec. 87. NRS 41.505 is hereby amended to read as follows: 36 41.505 1. Any person licensed under the provisions of 37 chapter 630, 632 or 633 of NRS , or licensed as a naturopathic 38 physician under the provisions of chapter 630A of NRS, and any 39 person who holds an equivalent license issued by another state, who 40 renders emergency care or assistance, including, without limitation, 41 emergency obstetrical care or assistance, in an emergency, 42 gratuitously and in good faith, is not liable for any civil damages as 43 a result of any act or omission, not amounting to gross negligence, 44 by that person in rendering the emergency care or assistance or as a 45 – 54 – - *SB397* result of any failure to act, not amounting to gross negligence, to 1 provide or arrange for further medical treatment for the injured or ill 2 person. This section does not excuse a physician, physician 3 assistant, anesthesiologist assistant or nurse from liability for 4 damages resulting from that person’s acts or omissions which occur 5 in a licensed medical facility relative to any person with whom there 6 is a preexisting relationship as a patient. 7 2. Any person licensed under the provisions of chapter 630, 8 632 or 633 of NRS , or licensed as a naturopathic physician under 9 the provisions of chapter 630A of NRS, and any person who holds 10 an equivalent license issued by another state who: 11 (a) Is retired or otherwise does not practice on a full-time basis; 12 and 13 (b) Gratuitously and in good faith, renders medical care within 14 the scope of that person’s license to an indigent person, 15 is not liable for any civil damages as a result of any act or 16 omission by that person, not amounting to gross negligence or 17 reckless, willful or wanton conduct, in rendering that care. 18 3. Any person licensed to practice medicine under the 19 provisions of chapter 630 or 633 of NRS , or licensed to practice 20 naturopathic medicine under the provisions of chapter 630A of 21 NRS or licensed to practice dentistry under the provisions of chapter 22 631 of NRS who renders care or assistance to a patient for a 23 governmental entity or a nonprofit organization is not liable for any 24 civil damages as a result of any act or omission by that person in 25 rendering that care or assistance if the care or assistance is rendered 26 gratuitously, in good faith and in a manner not amounting to gross 27 negligence or reckless, willful or wanton conduct. 28 4. As used in this section, “gratuitously” has the meaning 29 ascribed to it in NRS 41.500. 30 Sec. 88. NRS 41.506 is hereby amended to read as follows: 31 41.506 1. Any person licensed under the provisions of 32 chapter 630, 632 or 633 of NRS , or any person licensed as a 33 naturopathic physician under the provisions of chapter 630A of 34 NRS, and any person who holds an equivalent license issued by 35 another state who renders emergency obstetrical care or assistance 36 to a pregnant woman during labor or the delivery of the child is not 37 liable for any civil damages as a result of any act or omission by that 38 person in rendering that care or assistance if: 39 (a) The care or assistance is rendered in good faith and in a 40 manner not amounting to gross negligence or reckless, willful or 41 wanton conduct; 42 (b) The person has not previously provided prenatal or 43 obstetrical care to the woman; and 44 – 55 – - *SB397* (c) The damages are reasonably related to or primarily caused 1 by a lack of prenatal care received by the woman. 2 2. A licensed medical facility in which such care or assistance 3 is rendered is not liable for any civil damages as a result of any act 4 or omission by the person in rendering that care or assistance if that 5 person is not liable for any civil damages pursuant to subsection 1 6 and the actions of the medical facility relating to the rendering of 7 that care or assistance do not amount to gross negligence or 8 reckless, willful or wanton conduct. 9 Sec. 89. NRS 41A.017 is hereby amended to read as follows: 10 41A.017 “Provider of health care” means a physician licensed 11 pursuant to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS, physician assistant, 12 anesthesiologist assistant, naturopathic physician, dentist, licensed 13 nurse, dispensing optician, optometrist, registered physical therapist, 14 podiatric physician, licensed psychologist, chiropractic physician, 15 naprapath, doctor of Oriental medicine, holder of a license or a 16 limited license issued under the provisions of chapter 653 of NRS, 17 medical laboratory director or technician, licensed dietitian or a 18 licensed hospital, clinic, surgery center, physicians’ professional 19 corporation or group practice that employs any such person and its 20 employees. 21 Sec. 90. NRS 41A.110 is hereby amended to read as follows: 22 41A.110 Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3 of NRS 23 442.253, a physician licensed to practice medicine under the 24 provisions of chapter 630 or 633 of NRS, a naturopathic physician 25 licensed under the provisions of chapter 630A of NRS or a dentist 26 licensed to practice dentistry under the provisions of chapter 631 of 27 NRS, has conclusively obtained the consent of a patient for a 28 medical, surgical or dental procedure, as appropriate, if the 29 physician or dentist has done the following: 30 1. Explained to the patient in general terms, without specific 31 details, the procedure to be undertaken; 32 2. Explained to the patient alternative methods of treatment, if 33 any, and their general nature; 34 3. Explained to the patient that there may be risks, together 35 with the general nature and extent of the risks involved, without 36 enumerating such risks; and 37 4. Obtained the signature of the patient to a statement 38 containing an explanation of the procedure, alternative methods of 39 treatment and risks involved, as provided in this section. 40 Sec. 91. NRS 42.021 is hereby amended to read as follows: 41 42.021 1. In an action for injury or death against a provider 42 of health care based upon professional negligence, if the defendant 43 so elects, the defendant may introduce evidence of any amount 44 payable as a benefit to the plaintiff as a result of the injury or death 45 – 56 – - *SB397* pursuant to the United States Social Security Act, any state or 1 federal income disability or worker’s compensation act, any health, 2 sickness or income-disability insurance, accident insurance that 3 provides health benefits or income-disability coverage, and any 4 contract or agreement of any group, organization, partnership or 5 corporation to provide, pay for or reimburse the cost of medical, 6 hospital, dental or other health care services. If the defendant elects 7 to introduce such evidence, the plaintiff may introduce evidence of 8 any amount that the plaintiff has paid or contributed to secure the 9 plaintiff’s right to any insurance benefits concerning which the 10 defendant has introduced evidence. 11 2. A source of collateral benefits introduced pursuant to 12 subsection 1 may not: 13 (a) Recover any amount against the plaintiff; or 14 (b) Be subrogated to the rights of the plaintiff against a 15 defendant. 16 3. In an action for injury or death against a provider of health 17 care based upon professional negligence, a district court shall, at the 18 request of either party, enter a judgment ordering that money 19 damages or its equivalent for future damages of the judgment 20 creditor be paid in whole or in part by periodic payments rather than 21 by a lump-sum payment if the award equals or exceeds $50,000 in 22 future damages. 23 4. In entering a judgment ordering the payment of future 24 damages by periodic payments pursuant to subsection 3, the court 25 shall make a specific finding as to the dollar amount of periodic 26 payments that will compensate the judgment creditor for such future 27 damages. As a condition to authorizing periodic payments of future 28 damages, the court shall require a judgment debtor who is not 29 adequately insured to post security adequate to assure full payment 30 of such damages awarded by the judgment. Upon termination of 31 periodic payments of future damages, the court shall order the return 32 of this security, or so much as remains, to the judgment debtor. 33 5. A judgment ordering the payment of future damages by 34 periodic payments entered pursuant to subsection 3 must specify the 35 recipient or recipients of the payments, the dollar amount of the 36 payments, the interval between payments, and the number of 37 payments or the period of time over which payments will be made. 38 Such payments must only be subject to modification in the event of 39 the death of the judgment creditor. Money damages awarded for loss 40 of future earnings must not be reduced or payments terminated by 41 reason of the death of the judgment creditor, but must be paid to 42 persons to whom the judgment creditor owed a duty of support, as 43 provided by law, immediately before the judgment creditor’s death. 44 In such cases, the court that rendered the original judgment may, 45 – 57 – - *SB397* upon petition of any party in interest, modify the judgment to award 1 and apportion the unpaid future damages in accordance with this 2 subsection. 3 6. If the court finds that the judgment debtor has exhibited a 4 continuing pattern of failing to make the periodic payments as 5 specified pursuant to subsection 5, the court shall find the judgment 6 debtor in contempt of court and, in addition to the required periodic 7 payments, shall order the judgment debtor to pay the judgment 8 creditor all damages caused by the failure to make such periodic 9 payments, including, but not limited to, court costs and attorney’s 10 fees. 11 7. Following the occurrence or expiration of all obligations 12 specified in the periodic payment judgment, any obligation of the 13 judgment debtor to make further payments ceases and any security 14 given pursuant to subsection 4 reverts to the judgment debtor. 15 8. As used in this section: 16 (a) “Future damages” includes damages for future medical 17 treatment, care or custody, loss of future earnings, loss of bodily 18 function, or future pain and suffering of the judgment creditor. 19 (b) “Periodic payments” means the payment of money or 20 delivery of other property to the judgment creditor at regular 21 intervals. 22 (c) “Professional negligence” means a negligent act or omission 23 to act by a provider of health care in the rendering of professional 24 services, which act or omission is the proximate cause of a personal 25 injury or wrongful death. The term does not include services that are 26 outside the scope of services for which the provider of health care is 27 licensed or services for which any restriction has been imposed by 28 the applicable regulatory board or health care facility. 29 (d) “Provider of health care” means a physician licensed under 30 chapter 630 or 633 of NRS, naturopathic physician, dentist, 31 licensed nurse, dispensing optician, optometrist, registered physical 32 therapist, podiatric physician, naprapath, licensed psychologist, 33 chiropractic physician, doctor of Oriental medicine, holder of a 34 license or a limited license issued under the provisions of chapter 35 653 of NRS, medical laboratory director or technician, licensed 36 dietitian or a licensed hospital and its employees. 37 Sec. 92. NRS 49.215 is hereby amended to read as follows: 38 49.215 As used in NRS 49.215 to 49.245, inclusive: 39 1. A communication is “confidential” if it is not intended to be 40 disclosed to third persons other than: 41 (a) Those present to further the interest of the patient in the 42 consultation, examination or interview; 43 (b) Persons reasonably necessary for the transmission of the 44 communication; or 45 – 58 – - *SB397* (c) Persons who are participating in the diagnosis and treatment 1 under the direction of the doctor, including members of the patient’s 2 family. 3 2. “Doctor” means a person licensed to practice medicine, 4 naturopathic medicine, dentistry , [or] osteopathic medicine, 5 chiropractic or naprapathy in any state or nation, or a person who is 6 reasonably believed by the patient to be so licensed, and in addition 7 includes a person employed by a public or private agency as a 8 psychiatric social worker, or someone under his or her guidance, 9 direction or control, while engaged in the examination, diagnosis or 10 treatment of a patient for a mental condition. 11 3. “Patient” means a person who consults or is examined or 12 interviewed by a doctor for purposes of diagnosis or treatment. 13 Sec. 93. NRS 89.050 is hereby amended to read as follows: 14 89.050 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a 15 professional entity may be organized only for the purpose of 16 rendering one specific type of professional service and may not 17 engage in any business other than rendering the professional service 18 for which it was organized and services reasonably related thereto, 19 except that a professional entity may own real and personal property 20 appropriate to its business and may invest its money in any form of 21 real property, securities or any other type of investment. 22 2. A professional entity may be organized to render a 23 professional service relating to: 24 (a) Architecture, interior design, residential design, engineering 25 and landscape architecture, or any combination thereof, and may be 26 composed of persons: 27 (1) Engaged in the practice of architecture as provided in 28 chapter 623 of NRS; 29 (2) Practicing as a registered interior designer as provided in 30 chapter 623 of NRS; 31 (3) Engaged in the practice of residential design as provided 32 in chapter 623 of NRS; 33 (4) Engaged in the practice of landscape architecture as 34 provided in chapter 623A of NRS; and 35 (5) Engaged in the practice of professional engineering as 36 provided in chapter 625 of NRS. 37 (b) Medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic medicine, osteopathy, 38 naprapathy, chiropractic and psychology, or any combination 39 thereof, and may be composed of persons engaged in the practice of: 40 (1) Medicine as provided in chapter 630 of NRS; 41 (2) Homeopathic medicine or naturopathic medicine as 42 provided in chapter 630A of NRS; 43 (3) Osteopathic medicine as provided in chapter 633 of NRS; 44 (4) Chiropractic as provided in chapter 634 of NRS; 45 – 59 – - *SB397* (5) Naprapathy as provided in chapter 634B of NRS; and 1 (6) Psychology and licensed to provide services pursuant to 2 chapter 641 of NRS. 3 Such a professional entity may market and manage additional 4 professional entities which are organized to render a professional 5 service relating to medicine, homeopathy, osteopathy, naprapathy, 6 chiropractic and psychology. 7 (c) Mental health services, and may be composed of the 8 following persons, in any number and in any combination: 9 (1) Any psychologist who is licensed to practice in this State; 10 (2) Any social worker who holds a master’s degree in social 11 work and who is licensed by this State as a clinical social worker; 12 (3) Any registered nurse who is licensed to practice 13 professional nursing in this State and who holds a master’s degree in 14 the field of psychiatric nursing; 15 (4) Any marriage and family therapist who is licensed by this 16 State pursuant to chapter 641A of NRS; and 17 (5) Any clinical professional counselor who is licensed by 18 this State pursuant to chapter 641A of NRS. 19 Such a professional entity may market and manage additional 20 professional entities which are organized to render a professional 21 service relating to mental health services pursuant to this paragraph. 22 3. A professional entity may render a professional service only 23 through its officers, managers and employees who are licensed or 24 otherwise authorized by law to render the professional service. 25 Sec. 94. NRS 200.471 is hereby amended to read as follows: 26 200.471 1. As used in this section: 27 (a) “Assault” means: 28 (1) Unlawfully attempting to use physical force against 29 another person; or 30 (2) Intentionally placing another person in reasonable 31 apprehension of immediate bodily harm. 32 (b) “Fire-fighting agency” has the meaning ascribed to it in 33 NRS 239B.020. 34 (c) “Health care facility” means a facility licensed pursuant to 35 chapter 449 of NRS, an office of a person listed in NRS 629.031, a 36 clinic or any other location, other than a residence, where health 37 care is provided. 38 (d) “Officer” means: 39 (1) A person who possesses some or all of the powers of a 40 peace officer; 41 (2) A person employed in a full-time salaried occupation of 42 fire fighting for the benefit or safety of the public; 43 (3) A member of a volunteer fire department; 44 – 60 – - *SB397* (4) A jailer, guard or other correctional officer of a city or 1 county jail; 2 (5) A prosecuting attorney of an agency or political 3 subdivision of the United States or of this State; 4 (6) A justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of 5 Appeals, district judge, justice of the peace, municipal judge, 6 magistrate, court commissioner, master or referee, including a 7 person acting pro tempore in a capacity listed in this subparagraph; 8 (7) An employee of this State or a political subdivision of 9 this State whose official duties require the employee to make home 10 visits; 11 (8) A civilian employee or a volunteer of a law enforcement 12 agency whose official duties require the employee or volunteer to: 13 (I) Interact with the public; 14 (II) Perform tasks related to law enforcement; and 15 (III) Wear identification, clothing or a uniform that 16 identifies the employee or volunteer as working or volunteering for 17 the law enforcement agency; 18 (9) A civilian employee or a volunteer of a fire-fighting 19 agency whose official duties require the employee or volunteer to: 20 (I) Interact with the public; 21 (II) Perform tasks related to fire fighting or fire 22 prevention; and 23 (III) Wear identification, clothing or a uniform that 24 identifies the employee or volunteer as working or volunteering for 25 the fire-fighting agency; or 26 (10) A civilian employee or volunteer of this State or a 27 political subdivision of this State whose official duties require the 28 employee or volunteer to: 29 (I) Interact with the public; 30 (II) Perform tasks related to code enforcement; and 31 (III) Wear identification, clothing or a uniform that 32 identifies the employee or volunteer as working or volunteering for 33 this State or a political subdivision of this State. 34 (e) “Provider of health care” means: 35 (1) A physician, a medical student, a perfusionist, an 36 anesthesiologist assistant or a physician assistant licensed pursuant 37 to chapter 630 of NRS, a practitioner of respiratory care, a 38 homeopathic physician, a naturopathic physician, an advanced 39 practitioner of homeopathy, a homeopathic assistant, a naturopathic 40 assistant, an osteopathic physician, a physician assistant or 41 anesthesiologist assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 633 of NRS, a 42 podiatric physician, a podiatry hygienist, a physical therapist, a 43 medical laboratory technician, an optometrist, a chiropractic 44 physician, a chiropractic assistant, a naprapath, a doctor of Oriental 45 – 61 – - *SB397* medicine, a nurse, a student nurse, a certified nursing assistant, a 1 nursing assistant trainee, a medication aide - certified, a person who 2 provides health care services in the home for compensation, a 3 dentist, a dental student, a dental hygienist, a dental hygienist 4 student, an expanded function dental assistant, an expanded function 5 dental assistant student, a pharmacist, a pharmacy student, an intern 6 pharmacist, an attendant on an ambulance or air ambulance, a 7 psychologist, a social worker, a marriage and family therapist, a 8 marriage and family therapist intern, a clinical professional 9 counselor, a clinical professional counselor intern, a behavior 10 analyst, an assistant behavior analyst, a registered behavior 11 technician, a mental health technician, a licensed dietitian, the 12 holder of a license or a limited license issued under the provisions of 13 chapter 653 of NRS, a public safety officer at a health care facility, 14 an emergency medical technician, an advanced emergency medical 15 technician, a paramedic or a participant in a program of training to 16 provide emergency medical services; or 17 (2) An employee of or volunteer for a health care facility 18 who: 19 (I) Interacts with the public; 20 (II) Performs tasks related to providing health care; and 21 (III) Wears identification, clothing or a uniform that 22 identifies the person as an employee or volunteer of the health care 23 facility. 24 (f) “School employee” means a licensed or unlicensed person 25 employed by a board of trustees of a school district pursuant to NRS 26 391.100 or 391.281. 27 (g) “Sporting event” has the meaning ascribed to it in 28 NRS 41.630. 29 (h) “Sports official” has the meaning ascribed to it in 30 NRS 41.630. 31 (i) “Taxicab” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 706.8816. 32 (j) “Taxicab driver” means a person who operates a taxicab. 33 (k) “Transit operator” means a person who operates a bus or 34 other vehicle as part of a public mass transportation system. 35 (l) “Utility worker” means an employee of a public utility as 36 defined in NRS 704.020 whose official duties require the employee 37 to: 38 (1) Interact with the public; 39 (2) Perform tasks related to the operation of the public 40 utility; and 41 (3) Wear identification, clothing or a uniform that identifies 42 the employee as working for the public utility. 43 2. A person convicted of an assault shall be punished: 44 – 62 – - *SB397* (a) If paragraph (c) or (d) does not apply to the circumstances of 1 the crime and the assault is not made with the use of a deadly 2 weapon or the present ability to use a deadly weapon, for a 3 misdemeanor. 4 (b) If the assault is made with the use of a deadly weapon or the 5 present ability to use a deadly weapon, for a category B felony by 6 imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less 7 than 1 year and a maximum term of not more than 6 years, or by a 8 fine of not more than $5,000, or by both fine and imprisonment. 9 (c) If paragraph (d) does not apply to the circumstances of the 10 crime and if the assault: 11 (1) Is committed upon: 12 (I) An officer, a school employee, a taxicab driver, a 13 transit operator or a utility worker who is performing his or her 14 duty; 15 (II) A provider of health care while the provider of health 16 care is performing his or her duty or is on the premises where he or 17 she performs that duty; or 18 (III) A sports official based on the performance of his or 19 her duties at a sporting event; and 20 (2) The person charged knew or should have known that the 21 victim was an officer, a provider of health care, a school employee, 22 a taxicab driver, a transit operator, a utility worker or a sports 23 official, 24 for a gross misdemeanor, unless the assault is made with the use 25 of a deadly weapon or the present ability to use a deadly weapon, 26 then for a category B felony by imprisonment in the state prison for 27 a minimum term of not less than 1 year and a maximum term of not 28 more than 6 years, or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or by both 29 fine and imprisonment. 30 (d) If the assault: 31 (1) Is committed by a probationer, a prisoner who is in 32 lawful custody or confinement or a parolee upon: 33 (I) An officer, a school employee, a taxicab driver, a 34 transit operator or a utility worker who is performing his or her 35 duty; 36 (II) A provider of health care while the provider of health 37 care is performing his or her duty or is on the premises where he or 38 she performs that duty; or 39 (III) A sports official based on the performance of his or 40 her duties at a sporting event; and 41 (2) The probationer, prisoner or parolee charged knew or 42 should have known that the victim was an officer, a provider of 43 health care, a school employee, a taxicab driver, a transit operator, a 44 utility worker or a sports official, 45 – 63 – - *SB397* for a category D felony as provided in NRS 193.130, unless the 1 assault is made with the use of a deadly weapon or the present 2 ability to use a deadly weapon, then for a category B felony by 3 imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less 4 than 1 year and a maximum term of not more than 6 years, or by a 5 fine of not more than $5,000, or by both fine and imprisonment. 6 Sec. 95. NRS 200.5093 is hereby amended to read as follows: 7 200.5093 1. Any person who is described in subsection 4 and 8 who, in a professional or occupational capacity, knows or has 9 reasonable cause to believe that an older person or vulnerable 10 person has been abused, neglected, exploited, isolated or abandoned 11 shall: 12 (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, report the 13 abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation or abandonment of the older 14 person or vulnerable person to: 15 (1) The local office of the Aging and Disability Services 16 Division of the Department of Health and Human Services; 17 (2) A police department or sheriff’s office; or 18 (3) A toll-free telephone service designated by the Aging and 19 Disability Services Division of the Department of Health and 20 Human Services; and 21 (b) Make such a report as soon as reasonably practicable but not 22 later than 24 hours after the person knows or has reasonable cause to 23 believe that the older person or vulnerable person has been abused, 24 neglected, exploited, isolated or abandoned. 25 2. If a person who is required to make a report pursuant to 26 subsection 1 knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the 27 abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation or abandonment of the older 28 person or vulnerable person involves an act or omission of the 29 Aging and Disability Services Division, another division of the 30 Department of Health and Human Services or a law enforcement 31 agency, the person shall make the report to an agency other than the 32 one alleged to have committed the act or omission. 33 3. Each agency, after reducing a report to writing, shall forward 34 a copy of the report to the Aging and Disability Services Division of 35 the Department of Health and Human Services and the Unit for the 36 Investigation and Prosecution of Crimes. 37 4. A report must be made pursuant to subsection 1 by the 38 following persons: 39 (a) Every physician, dentist, dental hygienist, expanded function 40 dental assistant, chiropractic physician, naprapath, optometrist, 41 podiatric physician, medical examiner, resident, intern, professional 42 or practical nurse, physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 43 630 or 633 of NRS, anesthesiologist assistant, naturopathic 44 assistant, homeopathic assistant, perfusionist, psychiatrist, 45 – 64 – - *SB397* psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical professional 1 counselor, clinical alcohol and drug counselor, alcohol and drug 2 counselor, music therapist, athletic trainer, driver of an ambulance, 3 paramedic, licensed dietitian, holder of a license or a limited license 4 issued under the provisions of chapter 653 of NRS, behavior 5 analyst, assistant behavior analyst, registered behavior technician, 6 peer recovery support specialist, as defined in NRS 433.627, peer 7 recovery support specialist supervisor, as defined in NRS 433.629, 8 or other person providing medical services licensed or certified to 9 practice in this State, who examines, attends or treats an older 10 person or vulnerable person who appears to have been abused, 11 neglected, exploited, isolated or abandoned. 12 (b) Any personnel of a hospital or similar institution engaged in 13 the admission, examination, care or treatment of persons or an 14 administrator, manager or other person in charge of a hospital or 15 similar institution upon notification of the suspected abuse, neglect, 16 exploitation, isolation or abandonment of an older person or 17 vulnerable person by a member of the staff of the hospital. 18 (c) A coroner. 19 (d) Every person who maintains or is employed by an agency to 20 provide personal care services in the home. 21 (e) Every person who maintains or is employed by an agency to 22 provide nursing in the home. 23 (f) Every person who operates, who is employed by or who 24 contracts to provide services for an intermediary service 25 organization as defined in NRS 449.4304. 26 (g) Any employee of the Department of Health and Human 27 Services, except the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman appointed 28 pursuant to NRS 427A.125 and any of his or her advocates or 29 volunteers where prohibited from making such a report pursuant to 30 45 C.F.R. § 1321.11. 31 (h) Any employee of a law enforcement agency or a county’s 32 office for protective services or an adult or juvenile probation 33 officer. 34 (i) Any person who maintains or is employed by a facility or 35 establishment that provides care for older persons or vulnerable 36 persons. 37 (j) Any person who maintains, is employed by or serves as a 38 volunteer for an agency or service which advises persons regarding 39 the abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation or abandonment of an 40 older person or vulnerable person and refers them to persons and 41 agencies where their requests and needs can be met. 42 (k) Every social worker. 43 (l) Any person who owns or is employed by a funeral home or 44 mortuary. 45 – 65 – - *SB397* (m) Every person who operates or is employed by a community 1 health worker pool, as defined in NRS 449.0028, or with whom a 2 community health worker pool contracts to provide the services of a 3 community health worker, as defined in NRS 449.0027. 4 (n) Every person who is enrolled with the Division of Health 5 Care Financing and Policy of the Department of Health and Human 6 Services to provide doula services to recipients of Medicaid 7 pursuant to NRS 422.27177. 8 5. A report may be made by any other person. 9 6. If a person who is required to make a report pursuant to 10 subsection 1 knows or has reasonable cause to believe that an older 11 person or vulnerable person has died as a result of abuse, neglect, 12 isolation or abandonment, the person shall, as soon as reasonably 13 practicable, report this belief to the appropriate medical examiner or 14 coroner, who shall investigate the cause of death of the older person 15 or vulnerable person and submit to the appropriate local law 16 enforcement agencies, the appropriate prosecuting attorney, the 17 Aging and Disability Services Division of the Department of Health 18 and Human Services and the Unit for the Investigation and 19 Prosecution of Crimes his or her written findings. The written 20 findings must include the information required pursuant to the 21 provisions of NRS 200.5094, when possible. 22 7. A division, office or department which receives a report 23 pursuant to this section shall cause the investigation of the report to 24 commence within 3 working days. A copy of the final report of the 25 investigation conducted by a division, office or department, other 26 than the Aging and Disability Services Division of the Department 27 of Health and Human Services, must be forwarded within 30 days 28 after the completion of the report to the: 29 (a) Aging and Disability Services Division; 30 (b) Repository for Information Concerning Crimes Against 31 Older Persons or Vulnerable Persons created by NRS 179A.450; 32 and 33 (c) Unit for the Investigation and Prosecution of Crimes. 34 8. If the investigation of a report results in the belief that an 35 older person or vulnerable person is abused, neglected, exploited, 36 isolated or abandoned, the Aging and Disability Services Division 37 of the Department of Health and Human Services or the county’s 38 office for protective services may provide protective services to the 39 older person or vulnerable person if the older person or vulnerable 40 person is able and willing to accept them. 41 9. A person who knowingly and willfully violates any of the 42 provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. 43 10. As used in this section, “Unit for the Investigation and 44 Prosecution of Crimes” means the Unit for the Investigation and 45 – 66 – - *SB397* Prosecution of Crimes Against Older Persons or Vulnerable Persons 1 in the Office of the Attorney General created pursuant to 2 NRS 228.265. 3 Sec. 96. NRS 232.8415 is hereby amended to read as follows: 4 232.8415 1. The Office of Nevada Boards, Commissions and 5 Councils Standards shall be responsible for: 6 (a) Centralized administration; 7 (b) A uniform set of standards for investigations, licensing 8 and discipline, including, without limitation, separating the roles and 9 responsibilities for occupational licensure from the roles and 10 responsibilities for occupational discipline; 11 (c) A uniform set of standards for internal controls; 12 (d) A uniform set of standards for legal representation; 13 (e) A consistent set of structural standards for boards and 14 commissions; 15 (f) Transparency and consumer protection; and 16 (g) Efficacy and efficiency. 17 2. To the extent permitted by the Nevada Constitution and 18 federal law, all professional and occupational licensing boards 19 created by the Legislature shall be under the purview of the Office, 20 including, without limitation: 21 (a) The Nevada State Board of Accountancy created by 22 NRS 628.035. 23 (b) The Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling 24 Counselors created by NRS 641C.150. 25 (c) The State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and 26 Residential Design created by NRS 623.050. 27 (d) The Board of Athletic Trainers created by NRS 640B.170. 28 (e) The State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board created by 29 NRS 643.020. 30 (f) The Board of Applied Behavior Analysis created by 31 NRS 641D.200. 32 (g) The Chiropractic Physicians’ Board of Nevada created by 33 NRS 634.020. 34 (h) The State Contractors’ Board created by NRS 624.040. 35 (i) The Commission on Construction Education created by 36 NRS 624.570. 37 (j) The State Board of Cosmetology created by NRS 644A.200. 38 (k) The Certified Court Reporters’ Board of Nevada created by 39 NRS 656.040. 40 (l) The Board of Dental Examiners of Nevada created by 41 NRS 631.120. 42 (m) The Committee on Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy 43 created by NRS 631.205. 44 – 67 – - *SB397* (n) The State Board of Professional Engineers and Land 1 Surveyors created by NRS 625.100. 2 (o) The Nevada Funeral and Cemetery Services Board created 3 by NRS 642.020. 4 (p) The Nevada Board of Homeopathic and Naturopathic 5 Medical Examiners created pursuant to NRS 630A.100. 6 (q) The State Board of Landscape Architecture created by 7 NRS 623A.080. 8 (r) The Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists 9 and Clinical Professional Counselors created by NRS 641A.090. 10 (s) The Board of Massage Therapy created by NRS 640C.150. 11 (t) The Board of Medical Examiners created pursuant to 12 NRS 630.050. 13 (u) The State Board of Nursing created by NRS 632.020. 14 (v) The Advisory Committee on Nursing Assistants and 15 Medication Aides created by NRS 632.072. 16 (w) The Board of Occupational Therapy created by 17 NRS 640A.080. 18 (x) The Board of Dispensing Opticians created by NRS 637.030. 19 (y) The Nevada State Board of Optometry created by 20 NRS 636.030. 21 (z) The State Board of Oriental Medicine created by 22 NRS 634A.030. 23 (aa) The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine created pursuant 24 to NRS 633.181. 25 (bb) The Commission on Postsecondary Education created by 26 NRS 394.383. 27 (cc) The State Board of Pharmacy created by NRS 639.020. 28 (dd) The Nevada Physical Therapy Board created by 29 NRS 640.030. 30 (ee) The State Board of Podiatry created by NRS 635.020. 31 (ff) The Private Investigator’s Licensing Board created by 32 NRS 648.020. 33 (gg) The Board of Psychological Examiners created by 34 NRS 641.030. 35 (hh) The Board of Environmental Health Specialists created by 36 NRS 625A.030. 37 (ii) The Board of Examiners for Social Workers created 38 pursuant to NRS 641B.100. 39 (jj) The Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing 40 Aid Dispensing Board created by NRS 637B.100. 41 (kk) The Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners 42 created by NRS 638.020. 43 – 68 – - *SB397* Sec. 97. NRS 287.020 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1 287.020 1. The governing body of any county, school 2 district, municipal corporation, political subdivision, public 3 corporation or other local governmental agency of the State of 4 Nevada may adopt and carry into effect a system of medical or 5 hospital service, or a combination thereof, through nonprofit 6 membership corporations defraying the cost of medical service or 7 hospital care, or both, open to participation by all licentiates of the 8 particular class, whether doctors of medicine, doctors of 9 naturopathic medicine, doctors of osteopathy, doctors of 10 naprapathy or doctors of chiropractic, offering services through such 11 a nonprofit membership corporation, for the benefit of such of their 12 officers and employees, and the dependents of such officers and 13 employees, as may elect to accept membership in such nonprofit 14 corporation and who have authorized the governing body to make 15 deductions from their compensation for the payment of membership 16 dues. 17 2. A part, not to exceed 50 percent, of the cost of such 18 membership dues may be defrayed by such governing body by 19 contribution. The money for such contributions must be budgeted 20 for in accordance with the laws governing such county, school 21 district, municipal corporation, political subdivision, public 22 corporation or other local governmental agency of the State of 23 Nevada. 24 3. The power conferred in this section, with respect to the 25 rendition of medical or hospital service, or a combination thereof, is 26 coextensive with the power conferred in NRS 287.010 with respect 27 to insurance companies. 28 4. If a school district offers coverage for medical service or 29 hospital care, or both, to its officers and employees pursuant to this 30 section, members of the board of trustees of the school district must 31 not be excluded from participating in the coverage. If the amount of 32 the deductions from compensation required to pay for the coverage 33 exceeds the compensation to which a trustee is entitled, the 34 difference must be paid by the trustee. 35 Sec. 98. NRS 288.140 is hereby amended to read as follows: 36 288.140 1. It is the right of every local government 37 employee, subject to the limitations provided in subsections 3, 4 and 38 5, to join any employee organization of the employee’s choice or to 39 refrain from joining any employee organization. A local government 40 employer shall not discriminate in any way among its employees on 41 account of membership or nonmembership in an employee 42 organization. 43 2. The recognition of an employee organization for negotiation, 44 pursuant to this chapter, does not preclude any local government 45 – 69 – - *SB397* employee who is not a member of that employee organization from 1 acting for himself or herself with respect to any condition of his or 2 her employment, but any action taken on a request or in adjustment 3 of a grievance shall be consistent with the terms of an applicable 4 negotiated agreement, if any. 5 3. A police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff or other law 6 enforcement officer may be a member of an employee organization 7 only if such employee organization is composed exclusively of law 8 enforcement officers. 9 4. A civilian employee of a metropolitan police department 10 which is organized pursuant to chapter 280 of NRS may be a 11 member of an employee organization only if such employee 12 organization is composed exclusively of civilian employees of a 13 metropolitan police department which is organized pursuant to 14 chapter 280 of NRS. 15 5. The following persons may not be a member of an employee 16 organization: 17 (a) A supervisory employee described in paragraph (b) of 18 subsection 1 of NRS 288.138, including but not limited to appointed 19 officials and department heads who are primarily responsible for 20 formulating and administering management, policy and programs. 21 (b) A doctor or physician who is employed by a local 22 government employer. 23 (c) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, an attorney 24 who is employed by a local government employer and who is 25 assigned to a civil law division, department or agency. The 26 provisions of this paragraph do not apply with respect to an attorney 27 for the duration of a collective bargaining agreement to which the 28 attorney is a party as of July 1, 2011. 29 6. As used in this section, “doctor or physician” means a 30 doctor, physician, homeopathic physician, naturopathic physician, 31 osteopathic physician, naprapath, chiropractic physician, 32 practitioner of Oriental medicine, podiatric physician or practitioner 33 of optometry, as those terms are defined or used, respectively, in 34 NRS 630.014, 630A.050, 633.091, chapter 634 of NRS, chapter 35 634A of NRS, NRS 634B.050, chapter 635 of NRS or chapter 636 36 of NRS [.] and section 12 of this act. 37 Sec. 99. NRS 441A.110 is hereby amended to read as follows: 38 441A.110 “Provider of health care” means a physician, 39 naturopathic physician, nurse, anesthesiologist assistant or 40 veterinarian licensed in accordance with state law, a physician 41 assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS or a 42 pharmacist registered pursuant to chapter 639 of NRS. 43 – 70 – - *SB397* Sec. 100. NRS 441A.315 is hereby amended to read as 1 follows: 2 441A.315 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a 3 physician, naturopathic physician, physician assistant, advanced 4 practice registered nurse or midwife who provides or supervises the 5 provision of emergency medical services in a hospital or primary 6 care to a patient who is 15 years of age or older shall, in accordance 7 with the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection 4: 8 (a) Consult with the patient to ascertain whether he or she 9 wishes to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, including, 10 without limitation, the human immunodeficiency virus, and to 11 determine which tests, if any, are medically indicated for the patient; 12 and 13 (b) If the patient wishes to be tested, conduct any test which is 14 medically indicated for the patient or assist the patient with 15 obtaining any such test, to the extent practicable for the physician, 16 naturopathic physician, physician assistant, advanced practice 17 registered nurse or midwife. 18 2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a hospital that 19 provides emergency medical services or primary care to a patient 20 who is 15 years of age or older shall, in accordance with the 21 regulations adopted pursuant to subsection 4: 22 (a) Ensure that the patient is consulted to ascertain whether he or 23 she wishes to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, including, 24 without limitation, the human immunodeficiency virus, and to 25 determine which tests, if any, are medically indicated for the patient; 26 and 27 (b) If the patient wishes to be tested, ensure that any test which 28 is medically indicated for the patient is conducted or that the patient 29 is assisted with obtaining any such test, to the extent practicable for 30 the hospital. 31 3. A physician, naturopathic physician, physician assistant, 32 advanced practice registered nurse, midwife or hospital is not 33 required to comply with the requirements of subsection 1 or 2 if the 34 physician, naturopathic physician, physician assistant, advanced 35 practice registered nurse or midwife or a provider of health care who 36 provides emergency medical services or primary care to the patient 37 at the hospital, as applicable, reasonably believes that the patient: 38 (a) Is being treated for a life-threatening emergency; 39 (b) Has recently been offered or has been the subject of a test for 40 the human immunodeficiency virus or other sexually transmitted 41 diseases; or 42 (c) Lacks capacity to consent to such testing. 43 4. The Board shall adopt regulations to ensure that: 44 – 71 – - *SB397* (a) Any test which is administered to a patient or for which a 1 patient is assisted in obtaining pursuant to this section is medically 2 indicated for that patient; and 3 (b) Communications concerning testing pursuant to this section 4 are made in a culturally competent manner and, to the extent 5 practicable, in a language that is easily understood by the patient. 6 5. A physician, naturopathic physician, physician assistant, 7 advanced practice registered nurse, midwife or hospital that fails to 8 comply with the provisions of this section: 9 (a) Is not subject to a criminal penalty or an administrative fine 10 pursuant to this chapter; and 11 (b) Is subject to disciplinary action, where applicable. 12 6. As used in this section: 13 (a) “Primary care” means the practice of family medicine, 14 pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology and 15 midwifery. 16 (b) “Provider of health care” has the meaning ascribed to it in 17 NRS 629.031. 18 Sec. 101. NRS 442.003 is hereby amended to read as follows: 19 442.003 As used in this chapter, unless the context requires 20 otherwise: 21 1. “Advisory Board” means the Advisory Board on Maternal 22 and Child Health. 23 2. “Department” means the Department of Health and Human 24 Services. 25 3. “Director” means the Director of the Department. 26 4. “Division” means the Division of Public and Behavioral 27 Health of the Department. 28 5. “Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder” has the meaning ascribed 29 to it in NRS 432B.0655. 30 6. “Freestanding birthing center” has the meaning ascribed to it 31 in NRS 449.0065. 32 7. “Laboratory” has the meaning ascribed to it in 33 NRS 652.040. 34 8. “Midwife” means: 35 (a) A person certified as: 36 (1) A Certified Professional Midwife by the North American 37 Registry of Midwives, or its successor organization; or 38 (2) A Certified Nurse-Midwife by the American Midwifery 39 Certification Board, or its successor organization; or 40 (b) Any other type of midwife. 41 9. “Provider of health care or other services” means: 42 (a) A clinical alcohol and drug counselor who is licensed, or an 43 alcohol and drug counselor who is licensed or certified, pursuant to 44 chapter 641C of NRS; 45 – 72 – - *SB397* (b) A physician or a physician assistant who is licensed pursuant 1 to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS and who practices in the area of 2 obstetrics and gynecology, family practice, internal medicine, 3 pediatrics or psychiatry; 4 (c) A naturopathic physician; 5 (d) A licensed nurse; 6 [(d)] (e) A licensed psychologist; 7 [(e)] (f) A licensed marriage and family therapist; 8 [(f)] (g) A licensed clinical professional counselor; 9 [(g)] (h) A licensed social worker; 10 [(h)] (i) A licensed dietitian; or 11 [(i)] (j) The holder of a certificate of registration as a 12 pharmacist. 13 Sec. 102. NRS 453C.030 is hereby amended to read as 14 follows: 15 453C.030 1. “Health care professional” means a physician, a 16 physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse. 17 2. As used in this section: 18 (a) “Advanced practice registered nurse” has the meaning 19 ascribed to it in NRS 632.012. 20 (b) “Physician” means a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 21 630 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician licensed 22 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 23 (c) “Physician assistant” means a physician assistant licensed 24 pursuant to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS. 25 Sec. 103. NRS 454.361 is hereby amended to read as follows: 26 454.361 A conviction of the violation of any of the provisions 27 of NRS 454.181 to 454.371, inclusive, constitutes grounds for the 28 suspension or revocation of any license issued to such person 29 pursuant to the provisions of chapters 630, 630A, 631, 633, 635, 30 636, 638, 639 or 653 of NRS. 31 Sec. 104. NRS 457.301 is hereby amended to read as follows: 32 457.301 1. A primary care provider shall: 33 (a) Attempt to determine whether each adult woman to whom he 34 or she provides care has a personal or family history of breast, 35 ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer or an ancestry associated with a 36 harmful mutation in the BRCA gene or meets any other criteria 37 under which the United States Preventive Services Task Force has 38 recommended screening for a risk of such a mutation; and 39 (b) If the primary care provider determines that an adult woman 40 to whom he or she provides care meets the criteria described in 41 paragraph (a) and has not previously undergone genetic testing for a 42 harmful mutation in the BRCA gene, use an appropriate brief 43 familial risk assessment tool to screen for a risk of such a mutation. 44 – 73 – - *SB397* 2. If such a screening indicates that a woman is at risk of a 1 harmful mutation in the BRCA gene, the primary care provider 2 must: 3 (a) Provide the woman with written notice of the need to discuss 4 genetic counseling and testing with the provider; 5 (b) Provide genetic counseling to the woman or ensure that the 6 woman is referred for genetic counseling; and 7 (c) If a genetic test for harmful mutations in the BRCA gene is 8 clinically indicated as a result of the genetic counseling, administer 9 such a test to the woman or ensure that the woman is referred for 10 such testing. 11 3. A primary care provider who fails to comply with this 12 section is not subject to criminal penalties or professional discipline 13 for such failure to comply. 14 4. As used in this section, “primary care provider” means: 15 (a) A physician, physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 16 630 or 633 of NRS , a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to 17 chapter 630A of NRS, or advanced practice registered nurse who 18 specializes in primary care, family medicine, internal medicine or 19 obstetrics and gynecology; or 20 (b) A midwife. 21 Sec. 105. NRS 686B.040 is hereby amended to read as 22 follows: 23 686B.040 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, 24 the Commissioner may by rule exempt any person or class of 25 persons or any market segment from any or all of the provisions of 26 NRS 686B.010 to 686B.1799, inclusive, if and to the extent that the 27 Commissioner finds their application unnecessary to achieve the 28 purposes of those sections. 29 2. The Commissioner may not, by rule or otherwise, exempt an 30 insurer from the provisions of NRS 686B.010 to 686B.1799, 31 inclusive, with regard to insurance covering the liability of a 32 practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of 33 NRS or as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 34 630A of NRS for a breach of the practitioner’s professional duty 35 toward a patient. 36 Sec. 106. NRS 686B.070 is hereby amended to read as 37 follows: 38 686B.070 1. Every authorized insurer and every rate service 39 organization licensed under NRS 686B.140 which has been 40 designated by any insurer for the filing of rates under subsection 2 41 of NRS 686B.090 shall file with the Commissioner all: 42 (a) Rates and proposed increases thereto; 43 (b) Forms of policies to which the rates apply; 44 (c) Supplementary rate information; and 45 – 74 – - *SB397* (d) Changes and amendments thereof, 1 made by it for use in this state. 2 2. A filing made pursuant to this section must include a 3 proposed effective date and must be filed not less than 30 days 4 before that proposed effective date, except that a filing for a 5 proposed increase or decrease in a rate may include a request that 6 the Commissioner authorize an effective date that is earlier than the 7 proposed effective date. 8 3. If an insurer makes a filing for a proposed increase in a rate 9 for insurance covering the liability of a practitioner licensed 10 pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a 11 naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS 12 for a breach of the practitioner’s professional duty toward a patient, 13 the insurer shall not include in the filing any component that is 14 directly or indirectly related to the following: 15 (a) Capital losses, diminished cash flow from any dividends, 16 interest or other investment returns, or any other financial loss that 17 is materially outside of the claims experience of the professional 18 liability insurance industry, as determined by the Commissioner. 19 (b) Losses that are the result of any criminal or fraudulent 20 activities of a director, officer or employee of the insurer. 21 If the Commissioner determines that a filing includes any such 22 component, the Commissioner shall, pursuant to NRS 686B.110, 23 disapprove the proposed increase, in whole or in part, to the extent 24 that the proposed increase relies upon such a component. 25 4. If an insurer makes a filing for a proposed increase in a rate 26 for a health benefit plan, as that term is defined in NRS 687B.470, 27 the filing must include a unified rate review template, a written 28 description justifying the rate increase and any rate filing 29 documentation. 30 5. As used in this section, “rate filing documentation,” “unified 31 rate review template” and “written description justifying the rate 32 increase” have the meanings ascribed in 45 C.F.R. § 154.215. 33 Sec. 107. NRS 686B.115 is hereby amended to read as 34 follows: 35 686B.115 1. Any hearing held by the Commissioner to 36 determine whether rates comply with the provisions of NRS 37 686B.010 to 686B.1799, inclusive, must be open to members of the 38 public. 39 2. All costs for transcripts prepared pursuant to such a hearing 40 must be paid by the insurer requesting the hearing. 41 3. At any hearing which is held by the Commissioner to 42 determine whether rates comply with the provisions of NRS 43 686B.010 to 686B.1799, inclusive, and which involves rates for 44 insurance covering the liability of a practitioner licensed pursuant to 45 – 75 – - *SB397* chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a naturopathic 1 physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS for a breach 2 of the practitioner’s professional duty toward a patient, if a person is 3 not otherwise authorized pursuant to this title to become a party to 4 the hearing by intervention, the person is entitled to provide 5 testimony at the hearing if, not later than 2 days before the date set 6 for the hearing, the person files with the Commissioner a written 7 statement which states: 8 (a) The name and title of the person; 9 (b) The interest of the person in the hearing; and 10 (c) A brief summary describing the purpose of the testimony the 11 person will offer at the hearing. 12 4. If a person provides testimony at a hearing in accordance 13 with subsection 3: 14 (a) The Commissioner may, if the Commissioner finds it 15 necessary to preserve order, prevent inordinate delay or protect the 16 rights of the parties at the hearing, place reasonable limitations on 17 the duration of the testimony and prohibit the person from providing 18 testimony that is not relevant to the issues raised at the hearing. 19 (b) The Commissioner shall consider all relevant testimony 20 provided by the person at the hearing in determining whether the 21 rates comply with the provisions of NRS 686B.010 to 686B.1799, 22 inclusive. 23 Sec. 108. NRS 686B.117 is hereby amended to read as 24 follows: 25 686B.117 If a filing made with the Commissioner pursuant to 26 paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 686B.070 pertains to 27 insurance covering the liability of a practitioner licensed pursuant 28 to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a naturopathic 29 physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS for a breach 30 of the practitioner’s professional duty toward a patient, any 31 interested person, and any association of persons or organization 32 whose members may be affected, may intervene as a matter of right 33 in any hearing or other proceeding conducted to determine whether 34 the applicable rate or proposed increase thereto: 35 1. Complies with the standards set forth in NRS 686B.050 and 36 subsection 3 of NRS 686B.070. 37 2. Should be approved or disapproved. 38 Sec. 109. NRS 689A.035 is hereby amended to read as 39 follows: 40 689A.035 1. An insurer shall not charge a provider of health 41 care a fee to include the name of the provider on a list of providers 42 of health care given by the insurer to its insureds. 43 2. An insurer shall not contract with a provider of health care 44 to provide health care to an insured unless the insurer uses the form 45 – 76 – - *SB397* prescribed by the Commissioner pursuant to NRS 629.095 to obtain 1 any information related to the credentials of the provider of health 2 care. 3 3. A contract between an insurer and a provider of health care 4 may be modified: 5 (a) At any time pursuant to a written agreement executed by 6 both parties. 7 (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, by the 8 insurer upon giving to the provider 45 days’ written notice of the 9 modification of the insurer’s schedule of payments, including any 10 changes to the fee schedule applicable to the provider’s practice. If 11 the provider fails to object in writing to the modification within the 12 45-day period, the modification becomes effective at the end of that 13 period. If the provider objects in writing to the modification within 14 the 45-day period, the modification must not become effective 15 unless agreed to by both parties as described in paragraph (a). 16 4. If an insurer contracts with a provider of health care to 17 provide health care to an insured, the insurer shall: 18 (a) If requested by the provider of health care at the time the 19 contract is made, submit to the provider of health care the schedule 20 of payments applicable to the provider of health care; or 21 (b) If requested by the provider of health care at any other time, 22 submit to the provider of health care the schedule of payments, 23 including any changes to the fee schedule applicable to the 24 provider’s practice, specified in paragraph (a) within 7 days after 25 receiving the request. 26 5. As used in this section, “provider of health care” means a 27 provider of health care who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 28 632 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed 29 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 30 Sec. 110. NRS 689A.04033 is hereby amended to read as 31 follows: 32 689A.04033 1. A policy of health insurance must provide 33 coverage for medical treatment which a policyholder or subscriber 34 receives as part of a clinical trial or study if: 35 (a) The medical treatment is provided in a Phase I, Phase II, 36 Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial for the treatment of 37 cancer or in a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 38 for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome; 39 (b) The clinical trial or study is approved by: 40 (1) An agency of the National Institutes of Health as set forth 41 in 42 U.S.C. § 281(b); 42 (2) A cooperative group; 43 (3) The Food and Drug Administration as an application for 44 a new investigational drug; 45 – 77 – - *SB397* (4) The United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or 1 (5) The United States Department of Defense; 2 (c) In the case of: 3 (1) A Phase I clinical trial or study for the treatment of 4 cancer, the medical treatment is provided at a facility authorized to 5 conduct Phase I clinical trials or studies for the treatment of cancer; 6 or 7 (2) A Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 8 for the treatment of cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome, the medical 9 treatment is provided by a provider of health care and the facility 10 and personnel for the clinical trial or study have the experience and 11 training to provide the treatment in a capable manner; 12 (d) There is no medical treatment available which is considered 13 a more appropriate alternative medical treatment than the medical 14 treatment provided in the clinical trial or study; 15 (e) There is a reasonable expectation based on clinical data that 16 the medical treatment provided in the clinical trial or study will be at 17 least as effective as any other medical treatment; 18 (f) The clinical trial or study is conducted in this State; and 19 (g) The policyholder or subscriber has signed, before 20 participating in the clinical trial or study, a statement of consent 21 indicating that the policyholder or subscriber has been informed of, 22 without limitation: 23 (1) The procedure to be undertaken; 24 (2) Alternative methods of treatment; and 25 (3) The risks associated with participation in the clinical trial 26 or study, including, without limitation, the general nature and extent 27 of such risks. 28 2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the coverage 29 for medical treatment required by this section is limited to: 30 (a) Coverage for any drug or device that is approved for sale by 31 the Food and Drug Administration without regard to whether the 32 approved drug or device has been approved for use in the medical 33 treatment of the policyholder or subscriber. 34 (b) The cost of any reasonably necessary health care services 35 that are required as a result of the medical treatment provided in a 36 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study or as a result of 37 any complication arising out of the medical treatment provided in a 38 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study, to the extent 39 that such health care services would otherwise be covered under the 40 policy of health insurance. 41 (c) The cost of any routine health care services that would 42 otherwise be covered under the policy of health insurance for a 43 policyholder or subscriber participating in a Phase I clinical trial or 44 study. 45 – 78 – - *SB397* (d) The initial consultation to determine whether the 1 policyholder or subscriber is eligible to participate in the clinical 2 trial or study. 3 (e) Health care services required for the clinically appropriate 4 monitoring of the policyholder or subscriber during a Phase II, 5 Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study. 6 (f) Health care services which are required for the clinically 7 appropriate monitoring of the policyholder or subscriber during a 8 Phase I clinical trial or study and which are not directly related to 9 the clinical trial or study. 10 Except as otherwise provided in NRS 689A.04036, the services 11 provided pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), (e) and (f) must be covered 12 only if the services are provided by a provider with whom the 13 insurer has contracted for such services. If the insurer has not 14 contracted for the provision of such services, the insurer shall pay 15 the provider the rate of reimbursement that is paid to other providers 16 with whom the insurer has contracted for similar services and the 17 provider shall accept that rate of reimbursement as payment in full. 18 3. Particular medical treatment described in subsection 2 and 19 provided to a policyholder or subscriber is not required to be 20 covered pursuant to this section if that particular medical treatment 21 is provided by the sponsor of the clinical trial or study free of charge 22 to the policyholder or subscriber. 23 4. The coverage for medical treatment required by this section 24 does not include: 25 (a) Any portion of the clinical trial or study that is customarily 26 paid for by a government or a biotechnical, pharmaceutical or 27 medical industry. 28 (b) Coverage for a drug or device described in paragraph (a) of 29 subsection 2 which is paid for by the manufacturer, distributor or 30 provider of the drug or device. 31 (c) Health care services that are specifically excluded from 32 coverage under the policyholder’s or subscriber’s policy of health 33 insurance, regardless of whether such services are provided under 34 the clinical trial or study. 35 (d) Health care services that are customarily provided by the 36 sponsors of the clinical trial or study free of charge to the 37 participants in the trial or study. 38 (e) Extraneous expenses related to participation in the clinical 39 trial or study including, without limitation, travel, housing and other 40 expenses that a participant may incur. 41 (f) Any expenses incurred by a person who accompanies the 42 policyholder or subscriber during the clinical trial or study. 43 – 79 – - *SB397* (g) Any item or service that is provided solely to satisfy a need 1 or desire for data collection or analysis that is not directly related to 2 the clinical management of the policyholder or subscriber. 3 (h) Any costs for the management of research relating to the 4 clinical trial or study. 5 5. An insurer who delivers or issues for delivery a policy of 6 health insurance specified in subsection 1 may require copies of the 7 approval or certification issued pursuant to paragraph (b) of 8 subsection 1, the statement of consent signed by the policyholder or 9 subscriber, protocols for the clinical trial or study and any other 10 materials related to the scope of the clinical trial or study relevant to 11 the coverage of medical treatment pursuant to this section. 12 6. An insurer who delivers or issues for delivery a policy 13 specified in subsection 1 shall: 14 (a) Include in any disclosure of the coverage provided by the 15 policy notice to each policyholder and subscriber under the policy of 16 the availability of the benefits required by this section. 17 (b) Provide the coverage required by this section subject to the 18 same deductible, copayment, coinsurance and other such conditions 19 for coverage that are required under the policy. 20 7. A policy of health insurance subject to the provisions of this 21 chapter that is delivered, issued for delivery or renewed on or after 22 January 1, [2006,] 2026, has the legal effect of including the 23 coverage required by this section, and any provision of the policy 24 that conflicts with this section is void. 25 8. An insurer who delivers or issues for delivery a policy 26 specified in subsection 1 is immune from liability for: 27 (a) Any injury to a policyholder or subscriber caused by: 28 (1) Any medical treatment provided to the policyholder or 29 subscriber in connection with his or her participation in a clinical 30 trial or study described in this section; or 31 (2) An act or omission by a provider of health care who 32 provides medical treatment or supervises the provision of medical 33 treatment to the policyholder or subscriber in connection with his or 34 her participation in a clinical trial or study described in this section. 35 (b) Any adverse or unanticipated outcome arising out of a 36 policyholder’s or subscriber’s participation in a clinical trial or study 37 described in this section. 38 9. As used in this section: 39 (a) “Cooperative group” means a network of facilities that 40 collaborate on research projects and has established a peer review 41 program approved by the National Institutes of Health. The term 42 includes: 43 (1) The Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program; and 44 (2) The Community Clinical Oncology Program. 45 – 80 – - *SB397* (b) “Facility authorized to conduct Phase I clinical trials or 1 studies for the treatment of cancer” means a facility or an affiliate of 2 a facility that: 3 (1) Has in place a Phase I program which permits only 4 selective participation in the program and which uses clear-cut 5 criteria to determine eligibility for participation in the program; 6 (2) Operates a protocol review and monitoring system which 7 conforms to the standards set forth in the “Policies and Guidelines 8 Relating to the Cancer Center Support Grant” published by the 9 Cancer Centers Branch of the National Cancer Institute; 10 (3) Employs at least two researchers and at least one of those 11 researchers receives funding from a federal grant; 12 (4) Employs at least three clinical investigators who have 13 experience working in Phase I clinical trials or studies conducted at 14 a facility designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the 15 National Cancer Institute; 16 (5) Possesses specialized resources for use in Phase I clinical 17 trials or studies, including, without limitation, equipment that 18 facilitates research and analysis in proteomics, genomics and 19 pharmacokinetics; 20 (6) Is capable of gathering, maintaining and reporting 21 electronic data; and 22 (7) Is capable of responding to audits instituted by federal 23 and state agencies. 24 (c) “Provider of health care” means: 25 (1) A hospital; or 26 (2) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 of 27 NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 28 630A of NRS. 29 Sec. 111. NRS 689B.015 is hereby amended to read as 30 follows: 31 689B.015 1. An insurer that issues a policy of group health 32 insurance shall not charge a provider of health care a fee to include 33 the name of the provider on a list of providers of health care given 34 by the insurer to its insureds. 35 2. An insurer specified in subsection 1 shall not contract with a 36 provider of health care to provide health care to an insured unless 37 the insurer uses the form prescribed by the Commissioner pursuant 38 to NRS 629.095 to obtain any information related to the credentials 39 of the provider of health care. 40 3. A contract between an insurer specified in subsection 1 and 41 a provider of health care may be modified: 42 (a) At any time pursuant to a written agreement executed by 43 both parties. 44 – 81 – - *SB397* (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, by the 1 insurer upon giving to the provider 45 days’ written notice of the 2 modification of the insurer’s schedule of payments, including any 3 changes to the fee schedule applicable to the provider’s practice. If 4 the provider fails to object in writing to the modification within the 5 45-day period, the modification becomes effective at the end of that 6 period. If the provider objects in writing to the modification within 7 the 45-day period, the modification must not become effective 8 unless agreed to by both parties as described in paragraph (a). 9 4. If an insurer specified in subsection 1 contracts with a 10 provider of health care to provide health care to an insured, the 11 insurer shall: 12 (a) If requested by the provider of health care at the time the 13 contract is made, submit to the provider of health care the schedule 14 of payments applicable to the provider of health care; or 15 (b) If requested by the provider of health care at any other time, 16 submit to the provider of health care the schedule of payments, 17 including any changes to the fee schedule applicable to the 18 provider’s practice, specified in paragraph (a) within 7 days after 19 receiving the request. 20 5. As used in this section, “provider of health care” means a 21 provider of health care who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 22 632 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed 23 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 24 Sec. 112. NRS 689B.0306 is hereby amended to read as 25 follows: 26 689B.0306 1. A policy of group health insurance must 27 provide coverage for medical treatment which a person insured 28 under the group policy receives as part of a clinical trial or study if: 29 (a) The medical treatment is provided in a Phase I, Phase II, 30 Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial for the treatment of 31 cancer or in a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 32 for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome; 33 (b) The clinical trial or study is approved by: 34 (1) An agency of the National Institutes of Health as set forth 35 in 42 U.S.C. § 281(b); 36 (2) A cooperative group; 37 (3) The Food and Drug Administration as an application for 38 a new investigational drug; 39 (4) The United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or 40 (5) The United States Department of Defense; 41 (c) In the case of: 42 (1) A Phase I clinical trial or study for the treatment of 43 cancer, the medical treatment is provided at a facility authorized to 44 – 82 – - *SB397* conduct Phase I clinical trials or studies for the treatment of cancer; 1 or 2 (2) A Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 3 for the treatment of cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome, the medical 4 treatment is provided by a provider of health care and the facility 5 and personnel for the clinical trial or study have the experience and 6 training to provide the treatment in a capable manner; 7 (d) There is no medical treatment available which is considered 8 a more appropriate alternative medical treatment than the medical 9 treatment provided in the clinical trial or study; 10 (e) There is a reasonable expectation based on clinical data that 11 the medical treatment provided in the clinical trial or study will be at 12 least as effective as any other medical treatment; 13 (f) The clinical trial or study is conducted in this State; and 14 (g) The insured has signed, before participating in the clinical 15 trial or study, a statement of consent indicating that the insured has 16 been informed of, without limitation: 17 (1) The procedure to be undertaken; 18 (2) Alternative methods of treatment; and 19 (3) The risks associated with participation in the clinical trial 20 or study, including, without limitation, the general nature and extent 21 of such risks. 22 2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the coverage 23 for medical treatment required by this section is limited to: 24 (a) Coverage for any drug or device that is approved for sale by 25 the Food and Drug Administration without regard to whether the 26 approved drug or device has been approved for use in the medical 27 treatment of the insured person. 28 (b) The cost of any reasonably necessary health care services 29 that are required as a result of the medical treatment provided in a 30 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study or as a result of 31 any complication arising out of the medical treatment provided in a 32 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study, to the extent 33 that such health care services would otherwise be covered under the 34 policy of group health insurance. 35 (c) The cost of any routine health care services that would 36 otherwise be covered under the policy of group health insurance for 37 an insured participating in a Phase I clinical trial or study. 38 (d) The initial consultation to determine whether the insured is 39 eligible to participate in the clinical trial or study. 40 (e) Health care services required for the clinically appropriate 41 monitoring of the insured during a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV 42 clinical trial or study. 43 (f) Health care services which are required for the clinically 44 appropriate monitoring of the insured during a Phase I clinical trial 45 – 83 – - *SB397* or study and which are not directly related to the clinical trial or 1 study. 2 Except as otherwise provided in NRS 689B.0303, the services 3 provided pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), (e) and (f) must be covered 4 only if the services are provided by a provider with whom the 5 insurer has contracted for such services. If the insurer has not 6 contracted for the provision of such services, the insurer shall pay 7 the provider the rate of reimbursement that is paid to other providers 8 with whom the insurer has contracted for similar services and the 9 provider shall accept that rate of reimbursement as payment in full. 10 3. Particular medical treatment described in subsection 2 and 11 provided to a person insured under the group policy is not required 12 to be covered pursuant to this section if that particular medical 13 treatment is provided by the sponsor of the clinical trial or study free 14 of charge to the person insured under the group policy. 15 4. The coverage for medical treatment required by this section 16 does not include: 17 (a) Any portion of the clinical trial or study that is customarily 18 paid for by a government or a biotechnical, pharmaceutical or 19 medical industry. 20 (b) Coverage for a drug or device described in paragraph (a) of 21 subsection 2 which is paid for by the manufacturer, distributor or 22 provider of the drug or device. 23 (c) Health care services that are specifically excluded from 24 coverage under the insured’s policy of group health insurance, 25 regardless of whether such services are provided under the clinical 26 trial or study. 27 (d) Health care services that are customarily provided by the 28 sponsors of the clinical trial or study free of charge to the 29 participants in the trial or study. 30 (e) Extraneous expenses related to participation in the clinical 31 trial or study, including, without limitation, travel, housing and 32 other expenses that a participant may incur. 33 (f) Any expenses incurred by a person who accompanies the 34 insured during the clinical trial or study. 35 (g) Any item or service that is provided solely to satisfy a need 36 or desire for data collection or analysis that is not directly related to 37 the clinical management of the insured. 38 (h) Any costs for the management of research relating to the 39 clinical trial or study. 40 5. An insurer who delivers or issues for delivery a policy of 41 group health insurance specified in subsection 1 may require copies 42 of the approval or certification issued pursuant to paragraph (b) of 43 subsection 1, the statement of consent signed by the insured, 44 protocols for the clinical trial or study and any other materials 45 – 84 – - *SB397* related to the scope of the clinical trial or study relevant to the 1 coverage of medical treatment pursuant to this section. 2 6. An insurer who delivers or issues for delivery a policy of 3 group health insurance specified in subsection 1 shall: 4 (a) Include in any disclosure of the coverage provided by the 5 policy notice to each group policyholder of the availability of the 6 benefits required by this section. 7 (b) Provide the coverage required by this section subject to the 8 same deductible, copayment, coinsurance and other such conditions 9 for coverage that are required under the policy. 10 7. A policy of group health insurance subject to the provisions 11 of this chapter that is delivered, issued for delivery or renewed on or 12 after January 1, [2006,] 2026, has the legal effect of including the 13 coverage required by this section, and any provision of the policy 14 that conflicts with this section is void. 15 8. An insurer who delivers or issues for delivery a policy of 16 group health insurance specified in subsection 1 is immune from 17 liability for: 18 (a) Any injury to the insured caused by: 19 (1) Any medical treatment provided to the insured in 20 connection with his or her participation in a clinical trial or study 21 described in this section; or 22 (2) An act or omission by a provider of health care who 23 provides medical treatment or supervises the provision of medical 24 treatment to the insured in connection with his or her participation in 25 a clinical trial or study described in this section. 26 (b) Any adverse or unanticipated outcome arising out of an 27 insured’s participation in a clinical trial or study described in this 28 section. 29 9. As used in this section: 30 (a) “Cooperative group” means a network of facilities that 31 collaborate on research projects and has established a peer review 32 program approved by the National Institutes of Health. The term 33 includes: 34 (1) The Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program; and 35 (2) The Community Clinical Oncology Program. 36 (b) “Facility authorized to conduct Phase I clinical trials or 37 studies for the treatment of cancer” means a facility or an affiliate of 38 a facility that: 39 (1) Has in place a Phase I program which permits only 40 selective participation in the program and which uses clear-cut 41 criteria to determine eligibility for participation in the program; 42 (2) Operates a protocol review and monitoring system which 43 conforms to the standards set forth in the “Policies and Guidelines 44 – 85 – - *SB397* Relating to the Cancer Center Support Grant” published by the 1 Cancer Centers Branch of the National Cancer Institute; 2 (3) Employs at least two researchers and at least one of those 3 researchers receives funding from a federal grant; 4 (4) Employs at least three clinical investigators who have 5 experience working in Phase I clinical trials or studies conducted at 6 a facility designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the 7 National Cancer Institute; 8 (5) Possesses specialized resources for use in Phase I clinical 9 trials or studies, including, without limitation, equipment that 10 facilitates research and analysis in proteomics, genomics and 11 pharmacokinetics; 12 (6) Is capable of gathering, maintaining and reporting 13 electronic data; and 14 (7) Is capable of responding to audits instituted by federal 15 and state agencies. 16 (c) “Provider of health care” means: 17 (1) A hospital; or 18 (2) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 of 19 NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed pursuant to 20 chapter 630A of NRS. 21 Sec. 113. NRS 689C.131 is hereby amended to read as 22 follows: 23 689C.131 1. A carrier serving small employers and a carrier 24 that offers a contract to a voluntary purchasing group shall not 25 charge a provider of health care a fee to include the name of the 26 provider on a list of providers of health care given by the carrier to 27 its insureds. 28 2. A carrier specified in subsection 1 shall not contract with a 29 provider of health care to provide health care to an insured unless 30 the carrier uses the form prescribed by the Commissioner pursuant 31 to NRS 629.095 to obtain any information related to the credentials 32 of the provider of health care. 33 3. A contract between a carrier specified in subsection 1 and a 34 provider of health care may be modified: 35 (a) At any time pursuant to a written agreement executed by 36 both parties. 37 (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, by the 38 carrier upon giving to the provider 45 days’ written notice of the 39 modification of the carrier’s schedule of payments, including any 40 changes to the fee schedule applicable to the provider’s practice. If 41 the provider fails to object in writing to the modification within the 42 45 day period, the modification becomes effective at the end of that 43 period. If the provider objects in writing to the modification within 44 – 86 – - *SB397* the 45 day period, the modification must not become effective 1 unless agreed to by both parties as described in paragraph (a). 2 4. If a carrier specified in subsection 1 contracts with a 3 provider of health care to provide health care to an insured, the 4 carrier shall: 5 (a) If requested by the provider of health care at the time the 6 contract is made, submit to the provider of health care the schedule 7 of payments applicable to the provider of health care; or 8 (b) If requested by the provider of health care at any other time, 9 submit to the provider of health care the schedule of payments, 10 including any changes to the fee schedule applicable to the 11 provider’s practice, specified in paragraph (a) within 7 days after 12 receiving the request. 13 5. As used in this section, “provider of health care” means a 14 provider of health care who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 15 632 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed 16 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 17 Sec. 114. NRS 690B.270 is hereby amended to read as 18 follows: 19 690B.270 If an insurer declines to issue to a practitioner 20 licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a 21 naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS 22 a policy of professional liability insurance, the insurer shall, upon 23 the request of the practitioner, disclose to the practitioner the 24 reasons the insurer declined to issue the policy. 25 Sec. 115. NRS 690B.280 is hereby amended to read as 26 follows: 27 690B.280 If an insurer, for a policy of professional liability 28 insurance for a practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 29 632 or 633 of NRS [,] or as a naturopathic physician licensed 30 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS, sets the premium for the policy 31 for the practitioner at a rate that is higher than the standard rate of 32 the insurer for the applicable type of policy and specialty of the 33 practitioner, the insurer shall, upon the request of the practitioner, 34 disclose the reasons the insurer set the premium for the policy at the 35 higher rate. 36 Sec. 116. NRS 690B.290 is hereby amended to read as 37 follows: 38 690B.290 If an insurer offers to issue a claims-made policy to a 39 practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of 40 NRS [,] or as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to 41 chapter 630A of NRS, the insurer shall: 42 1. Offer to issue an extended reporting endorsement to the 43 practitioner; and 44 – 87 – - *SB397* 2. Disclose to the practitioner the cost formula that the insurer 1 uses to determine the premium for the extended reporting 2 endorsement. The cost formula must be based on: 3 (a) An amount that is not more than twice the amount of the 4 premium for the claims-made policy at the time of the termination 5 of that policy; and 6 (b) The rates filed by the insurer and approved by the 7 Commissioner. 8 Sec. 117. NRS 690B.300 is hereby amended to read as 9 follows: 10 690B.300 1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, if 11 an insurer issues a policy of professional liability insurance to a 12 practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 632 or 633 of NRS or 13 as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of 14 NRS who delivers one or more babies per year, the insurer shall not 15 set the premium for the policy at a rate that is different from the rate 16 set for such a policy issued by the insurer to any other practitioner 17 licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a 18 naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS 19 who delivers one or more babies per year if the difference in rates is 20 based in whole or in part upon the number of babies delivered per 21 year by the practitioner. 22 2. If an insurer issues a policy of professional liability 23 insurance to a practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 632 or 24 633 of NRS or as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to 25 chapter 630A of NRS who delivers one or more babies per year, the 26 insurer may set the premium for the policy at a rate that is different, 27 based in whole or in part upon the number of babies delivered per 28 year by the practitioner, from the rate set for such a policy issued by 29 the insurer to any other practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 30 630, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a naturopathic physician licensed 31 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS who delivers one or more babies 32 per year if the insurer: 33 (a) Bases the difference upon actuarial and loss experience data 34 available to the insurer; and 35 (b) Obtains the approval of the Commissioner for the difference 36 in rates. 37 3. The provisions of this section do not prohibit an insurer from 38 setting the premium for a policy of professional liability insurance 39 issued to a practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 632 or 633 40 of NRS or as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to 41 chapter 630A of NRS who delivers one or more babies per year at a 42 rate that is different from the rate set for such a policy issued by the 43 insurer to any other practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 44 632 or 633 of NRS or as a naturopathic physician licensed 45 – 88 – - *SB397* pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS who delivers one or more babies 1 per year if the difference in rates is based solely upon factors other 2 than the number of babies delivered per year by the practitioner. 3 Sec. 118. NRS 690B.310 is hereby amended to read as 4 follows: 5 690B.310 1. If an agreement settles a claim or action against 6 a practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of 7 NRS or as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 8 630A of NRS for a breach of his or her professional duty toward a 9 patient, the following terms of the agreement must not be made 10 confidential: 11 (a) The names of the parties; 12 (b) The date of the incidents or events giving rise to the claim or 13 action; 14 (c) The nature of the claim or action as set forth in the complaint 15 and the answer that is filed with the district court; and 16 (d) The effective date of the agreement. 17 2. Any provision of an agreement to settle a claim or action 18 that conflicts with this section is void. 19 Sec. 119. NRS 690B.330 is hereby amended to read as 20 follows: 21 690B.330 1. In each rating plan of an insurer that issues a 22 policy of professional liability insurance to a practitioner licensed 23 pursuant to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS [,] or as a naturopathic 24 physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS, the insurer 25 shall provide for a reduction in the premium for the policy if the 26 practitioner implements a qualified risk management system. The 27 amount of the reduction in the premium must be determined by the 28 Commissioner in accordance with the applicable standards for rates 29 established in NRS 686B.010 to 686B.1799, inclusive. 30 2. A qualified risk management system must comply with all 31 requirements established by the Commissioner. 32 3. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations to: 33 (a) Establish the requirements for a qualified risk management 34 system; and 35 (b) Carry out the provisions of this section. 36 4. The provisions of this section apply to all rating plans which 37 an insurer that issues a policy of professional liability insurance to a 38 practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS or as a 39 naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS 40 files with the Commissioner on and after the effective date of the 41 regulations adopted by the Commissioner pursuant to this section. 42 – 89 – - *SB397* Sec. 120. NRS 690B.350 is hereby amended to read as 1 follows: 2 690B.350 1. The requirements of this section apply only if, 3 after a hearing convened at the discretion of the Commissioner, the 4 Commissioner determines that the market for professional liability 5 insurance issued to any class, type or specialty of practitioner 6 licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 of NRS or as a 7 naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS 8 is not competitive and that such insurance is unavailable or 9 unaffordable for a substantial number of such practitioners. 10 2. If the Commissioner convenes a hearing pursuant to 11 subsection 1 and issues a finding that the market for professional 12 liability insurance issued to any class, type or specialty of 13 practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 of NRS or 14 as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of 15 NRS is not competitive, the Commissioner may designate that class, 16 type or specialty of practitioner to be an essential medical specialty. 17 3. Except as otherwise provided in this section, if an insurer 18 intends to cancel, terminate or otherwise not renew all policies of 19 professional liability insurance that it has issued to any class, type or 20 specialty of practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 21 of NRS [,] or as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to 22 chapter 630A of NRS, the insurer must provide 120 days’ notice of 23 its intended action to the Commissioner and the practitioners before 24 its intended action becomes effective. 25 4. If an insurer intends to cancel, terminate or otherwise not 26 renew a specific policy of professional liability insurance that it has 27 issued to a practitioner who is practicing in one or more of the 28 essential medical specialties designated by the Commissioner: 29 (a) The insurer must provide 120 days’ notice to the practitioner 30 before its intended action becomes effective; and 31 (b) The Commissioner may require the insurer to delay its 32 intended action for a period of not more than 60 days if the 33 Commissioner determines that a replacement policy is not readily 34 available to the practitioner. 35 5. If an insurer intends to cancel, terminate or otherwise not 36 renew all policies of professional liability insurance that it has 37 issued to practitioners who are practicing in one or more of the 38 essential medical specialties designated by the Commissioner: 39 (a) The insurer must provide 120 days’ notice of its intended 40 action to the Commissioner and the practitioners before its intended 41 action becomes effective; and 42 (b) The Commissioner may require the insurer to delay its 43 intended action for a period of not more than 60 days if the 44 – 90 – - *SB397* Commissioner determines that replacement policies are not readily 1 available to the practitioners. 2 6. The Commissioner may adopt any regulations that are 3 necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. 4 Sec. 121. NRS 690B.360 is hereby amended to read as 5 follows: 6 690B.360 1. The Commissioner may collect all information 7 which is pertinent to monitoring whether an insurer that issues 8 professional liability insurance for a practitioner licensed pursuant 9 to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a naturopathic 10 physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS is complying 11 with the applicable standards for rates established in NRS 686B.010 12 to 686B.1799, inclusive. Such information may include, without 13 limitation: 14 (a) The amount of gross premiums collected with regard to each 15 medical specialty; 16 (b) Information relating to loss ratios; and 17 (c) Information reported pursuant to NRS 679B.430 and 18 679B.440. 19 2. In addition to the information collected pursuant to 20 subsection 1, the Commissioner may request any additional 21 information from an insurer: 22 (a) Whose rates and credit utilization are materially different 23 from other insurers in the market for professional liability insurance 24 for a practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 25 of NRS or as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to 26 chapter 630A of NRS in this State; 27 (b) Whose credit utilization shows a substantial change from the 28 previous year; or 29 (c) Whose information collected pursuant to subsection 1 30 indicates a potentially adverse trend. 31 3. If the Commissioner requests additional information from an 32 insurer pursuant to subsection 2, the Commissioner may: 33 (a) Determine whether the additional information offers a 34 reasonable explanation for the results described in paragraph (a), (b) 35 or (c) of subsection 2; and 36 (b) Take any steps permitted by law that are necessary and 37 appropriate to assure the ongoing stability of the market for 38 professional liability insurance for a practitioner licensed pursuant 39 to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a naturopathic 40 physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS in this State. 41 4. On an ongoing basis, the Commissioner may analyze and 42 evaluate the information collected pursuant to this section to 43 determine trends in and measure the health of the market for 44 professional liability insurance for a practitioner licensed pursuant 45 – 91 – - *SB397* to chapter 630, 631, 632 or 633 of NRS or as a naturopathic 1 physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS in this State. 2 5. If the Commissioner convenes a hearing pursuant to 3 subsection 1 of NRS 690B.350 and determines that the market for 4 professional liability insurance issued to any class, type or specialty 5 of practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 of NRS 6 or as a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 630A 7 of NRS is not competitive and that such insurance is unavailable or 8 unaffordable for a substantial number of such practitioners, the 9 Commissioner shall prepare and submit a report of the 10 Commissioner’s findings and recommendations to the Director of 11 the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to members of the 12 Legislature. 13 Sec. 122. NRS 695A.095 is hereby amended to read as 14 follows: 15 695A.095 1. A society shall not charge a provider of health 16 care a fee to include the name of the provider on a list of providers 17 of health care given by the society to its insureds. 18 2. A society shall not contract with a provider of health care to 19 provide health care to an insured unless the society uses the form 20 prescribed by the Commissioner pursuant to NRS 629.095 to obtain 21 any information related to the credentials of the provider of health 22 care. 23 3. A contract between a society and a provider of health care 24 may be modified: 25 (a) At any time pursuant to a written agreement executed by 26 both parties. 27 (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, by the 28 society upon giving to the provider 45 days’ written notice of the 29 modification of the society’s schedule of payments, including any 30 changes to the fee schedule applicable to the provider’s practice. If 31 the provider fails to object in writing to the modification within the 32 45-day period, the modification becomes effective at the end of that 33 period. If the provider objects in writing to the modification within 34 the 45-day period, the modification must not become effective 35 unless agreed to by both parties as described in paragraph (a). 36 4. If a society contracts with a provider of health care to 37 provide health care to an insured, the society shall: 38 (a) If requested by the provider of health care at the time the 39 contract is made, submit to the provider of health care the schedule 40 of payments applicable to the provider of health care; or 41 (b) If requested by the provider of health care at any other time, 42 submit to the provider of health care the schedule of payments, 43 including any changes to the fee schedule applicable to the 44 – 92 – - *SB397* provider’s practice, specified in paragraph (a) within 7 days after 1 receiving the request. 2 5. As used in this section, “provider of health care” means a 3 provider of health care who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 4 632 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed 5 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 6 Sec. 123. NRS 695B.035 is hereby amended to read as 7 follows: 8 695B.035 1. A corporation subject to the provisions of this 9 chapter shall not charge a provider of health care a fee to include the 10 name of the provider on a list of providers of health care given by 11 the corporation to its insureds. 12 2. A corporation specified in subsection 1 shall not contract 13 with a provider of health care to provide health care to an insured 14 unless the corporation uses the form prescribed by the 15 Commissioner pursuant to NRS 629.095 to obtain any information 16 related to the credentials of the provider of health care. 17 3. A contract between a corporation specified in subsection 1 18 and a provider of health care may be modified: 19 (a) At any time pursuant to a written agreement executed by 20 both parties. 21 (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, by the 22 corporation upon giving to the provider 45 days’ written notice of 23 the modification of the corporation’s schedule of payments, 24 including any changes to the fee schedule applicable to the 25 provider’s practice. If the provider fails to object in writing to the 26 modification within the 45-day period, the modification becomes 27 effective at the end of that period. If the provider objects in writing 28 to the modification within the 45-day period, the modification must 29 not become effective unless agreed to by both parties as described in 30 paragraph (a). 31 4. If a corporation specified in subsection 1 contracts with a 32 provider of health care to provide health care to an insured, the 33 corporation shall: 34 (a) If requested by the provider of health care at the time the 35 contract is made, submit to the provider of health care the schedule 36 of payments applicable to the provider of health care; or 37 (b) If requested by the provider of health care at any other time, 38 submit to the provider of health care the schedule of payments, 39 including any changes to the fee schedule applicable to the 40 provider’s practice, specified in paragraph (a) within 7 days after 41 receiving the request. 42 5. As used in this section, “provider of health care” means a 43 provider of health care who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 44 – 93 – - *SB397* 632 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed 1 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 2 Sec. 124. NRS 695B.1903 is hereby amended to read as 3 follows: 4 695B.1903 1. A policy of health insurance issued by a 5 medical services corporation must provide coverage for medical 6 treatment which a person insured under the policy receives as part of 7 a clinical trial or study if: 8 (a) The medical treatment is provided in a Phase I, Phase II, 9 Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial for the treatment of 10 cancer or in a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 11 for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome; 12 (b) The clinical trial or study is approved by: 13 (1) An agency of the National Institutes of Health as set forth 14 in 42 U.S.C. § 281(b); 15 (2) A cooperative group; 16 (3) The Food and Drug Administration as an application for 17 a new investigational drug; 18 (4) The United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or 19 (5) The United States Department of Defense; 20 (c) In the case of: 21 (1) A Phase I clinical trial or study for the treatment of 22 cancer, the medical treatment is provided at a facility authorized to 23 conduct Phase I clinical trials or studies for the treatment of cancer; 24 or 25 (2) A Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 26 for the treatment of cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome, the medical 27 treatment is provided by a provider of health care and the facility 28 and personnel for the clinical trial or study have the experience and 29 training to provide the treatment in a capable manner; 30 (d) There is no medical treatment available which is considered 31 a more appropriate alternative medical treatment than the medical 32 treatment provided in the clinical trial or study; 33 (e) There is a reasonable expectation based on clinical data that 34 the medical treatment provided in the clinical trial or study will be at 35 least as effective as any other medical treatment; 36 (f) The clinical trial or study is conducted in this State; and 37 (g) The insured has signed, before participating in the clinical 38 trial or study, a statement of consent indicating that the insured has 39 been informed of, without limitation: 40 (1) The procedure to be undertaken; 41 (2) Alternative methods of treatment; and 42 (3) The risks associated with participation in the clinical trial 43 or study, including, without limitation, the general nature and extent 44 of such risks. 45 – 94 – - *SB397* 2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the coverage 1 for medical treatment required by this section is limited to: 2 (a) Coverage for any drug or device that is approved for sale by 3 the Food and Drug Administration without regard to whether the 4 approved drug or device has been approved for use in the medical 5 treatment of the insured person. 6 (b) The cost of any reasonably necessary health care services 7 that are required as a result of the medical treatment provided in a 8 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study or as a result of 9 any complication arising out of the medical treatment provided in a 10 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study, to the extent 11 that such health care services would otherwise be covered under the 12 policy of health insurance. 13 (c) The cost of any routine health care services that would 14 otherwise be covered under the policy of health insurance for an 15 insured participating in a Phase I clinical trial or study. 16 (d) The initial consultation to determine whether the insured is 17 eligible to participate in the clinical trial or study. 18 (e) Health care services required for the clinically appropriate 19 monitoring of the insured during a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV 20 clinical trial or study. 21 (f) Health care services which are required for the clinically 22 appropriate monitoring of the insured during a Phase I clinical trial 23 or study and which are not directly related to the clinical trial or 24 study. 25 Except as otherwise provided in NRS 695B.1901, the services 26 provided pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), (e) and (f) must be covered 27 only if the services are provided by a provider with whom the 28 medical services corporation has contracted for such services. If the 29 medical services corporation has not contracted for the provision of 30 such services, the medical services corporation shall pay the 31 provider the rate of reimbursement that is paid to other providers 32 with whom the medical services corporation has contracted for 33 similar services and the provider shall accept that rate of 34 reimbursement as payment in full. 35 3. Particular medical treatment described in subsection 2 and 36 provided to a person insured under the policy is not required to be 37 covered pursuant to this section if that particular medical treatment 38 is provided by the sponsor of the clinical trial or study free of charge 39 to the person insured under the policy. 40 4. The coverage for medical treatment required by this section 41 does not include: 42 (a) Any portion of the clinical trial or study that is customarily 43 paid for by a government or a biotechnical, pharmaceutical or 44 medical industry. 45 – 95 – - *SB397* (b) Coverage for a drug or device described in paragraph (a) of 1 subsection 2 which is paid for by the manufacturer, distributor or 2 provider of the drug or device. 3 (c) Health care services that are specifically excluded from 4 coverage under the insured’s policy of health insurance, regardless 5 of whether such services are provided under the clinical trial or 6 study. 7 (d) Health care services that are customarily provided by the 8 sponsors of the clinical trial or study free of charge to the 9 participants in the trial or study. 10 (e) Extraneous expenses related to participation in the clinical 11 trial or study, including, without limitation, travel, housing and 12 other expenses that a participant may incur. 13 (f) Any expenses incurred by a person who accompanies the 14 insured during the trial or study. 15 (g) Any item or service that is provided solely to satisfy a need 16 or desire for data collection or analysis that is not directly related to 17 the clinical management of the insured. 18 (h) Any costs for the management of research relating to the 19 clinical trial or study. 20 5. A medical services corporation that delivers or issues for 21 delivery a policy of health insurance specified in subsection 1 may 22 require copies of the approval or certification issued pursuant to 23 paragraph (b) of subsection 1, the statement of consent signed by the 24 insured, protocols for the clinical trial or study and any other 25 materials related to the scope of the clinical trial or study relevant to 26 the coverage of medical treatment pursuant to this section. 27 6. A medical services corporation that delivers or issues for 28 delivery a policy of health insurance specified in subsection 1 shall: 29 (a) Include in any disclosure of the coverage provided by the 30 policy notice to each person insured under the policy of the 31 availability of the benefits required by this section. 32 (b) Provide the coverage required by this section subject to the 33 same deductible, copayment, coinsurance and other such conditions 34 for coverage that are required under the policy. 35 7. A policy of health insurance subject to the provisions of this 36 chapter that is delivered, issued for delivery or renewed on or after 37 January 1, [2006,] 2026, has the legal effect of including the 38 coverage required by this section, and any provision of the policy 39 that conflicts with this section is void. 40 8. A medical services corporation that delivers or issues for 41 delivery a policy of health insurance specified in subsection 1 is 42 immune from liability for: 43 (a) Any injury to the insured caused by: 44 – 96 – - *SB397* (1) Any medical treatment provided to the insured in 1 connection with his or her participation in a clinical trial or study 2 described in this section; or 3 (2) An act or omission by a provider of health care who 4 provides medical treatment or supervises the provision of medical 5 treatment to the insured in connection with his or her participation in 6 a clinical trial or study described in this section. 7 (b) Any adverse or unanticipated outcome arising out of an 8 insured’s participation in a clinical trial or study described in this 9 section. 10 9. As used in this section: 11 (a) “Cooperative group” means a network of facilities that 12 collaborate on research projects and has established a peer review 13 program approved by the National Institutes of Health. The term 14 includes: 15 (1) The Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program; and 16 (2) The Community Clinical Oncology Program. 17 (b) “Facility authorized to conduct Phase I clinical trials or 18 studies for the treatment of cancer” means a facility or an affiliate of 19 a facility that: 20 (1) Has in place a Phase I program which permits only 21 selective participation in the program and which uses clear-cut 22 criteria to determine eligibility for participation in the program; 23 (2) Operates a protocol review and monitoring system which 24 conforms to the standards set forth in the “Policies and Guidelines 25 Relating to the Cancer Center Support Grant” published by the 26 Cancer Centers Branch of the National Cancer Institute; 27 (3) Employs at least two researchers and at least one of those 28 researchers receives funding from a federal grant; 29 (4) Employs at least three clinical investigators who have 30 experience working in Phase I clinical trials or studies conducted at 31 a facility designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the 32 National Cancer Institute; 33 (5) Possesses specialized resources for use in Phase I clinical 34 trials or studies, including, without limitation, equipment that 35 facilitates research and analysis in proteomics, genomics and 36 pharmacokinetics; 37 (6) Is capable of gathering, maintaining and reporting 38 electronic data; and 39 (7) Is capable of responding to audits instituted by federal 40 and state agencies. 41 (c) “Provider of health care” means: 42 (1) A hospital; or 43 – 97 – - *SB397* (2) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 of 1 NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to chapter 2 630A of NRS. 3 Sec. 125. NRS 695C.125 is hereby amended to read as 4 follows: 5 695C.125 1. A health maintenance organization shall not 6 contract with a provider of health care to provide health care to an 7 insured unless the health maintenance organization uses the form 8 prescribed by the Commissioner pursuant to NRS 629.095 to obtain 9 any information related to the credentials of the provider of health 10 care. 11 2. A contract between a health maintenance organization and a 12 provider of health care may be modified: 13 (a) At any time pursuant to a written agreement executed by 14 both parties. 15 (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, by the health 16 maintenance organization upon giving to the provider 45 days’ 17 written notice of the modification of the health maintenance 18 organization’s schedule of payments, including any changes to the 19 fee schedule applicable to the provider’s practice. If the provider 20 fails to object in writing to the modification within the 45-day 21 period, the modification becomes effective at the end of that period. 22 If the provider objects in writing to the modification within the 45-23 day period, the modification must not become effective unless 24 agreed to by both parties as described in paragraph (a). 25 3. If a health maintenance organization contracts with a 26 provider of health care to provide health care to an enrollee, the 27 health maintenance organization shall: 28 (a) If requested by the provider of health care at the time the 29 contract is made, submit to the provider of health care the schedule 30 of payments applicable to the provider of health care; or 31 (b) If requested by the provider of health care at any other time, 32 submit to the provider of health care the schedule of payments, 33 including any changes to the fee schedule applicable to the 34 provider’s practice, specified in paragraph (a) within 7 days after 35 receiving the request. 36 4. As used in this section, “provider of health care” means a 37 provider of health care who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 38 632 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed 39 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 40 Sec. 126. NRS 695C.1693 is hereby amended to read as 41 follows: 42 695C.1693 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 43 695C.050, a health care plan issued by a health maintenance 44 – 98 – - *SB397* organization must provide coverage for medical treatment which an 1 enrollee receives as part of a clinical trial or study if: 2 (a) The medical treatment is provided in a Phase I, Phase II, 3 Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial for the treatment of 4 cancer or in a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 5 for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome; 6 (b) The clinical trial or study is approved by: 7 (1) An agency of the National Institutes of Health as set forth 8 in 42 U.S.C. § 281(b); 9 (2) A cooperative group; 10 (3) The Food and Drug Administration as an application for 11 a new investigational drug; 12 (4) The United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or 13 (5) The United States Department of Defense; 14 (c) In the case of: 15 (1) A Phase I clinical trial or study for the treatment of 16 cancer, the medical treatment is provided at a facility authorized to 17 conduct Phase I clinical trials or studies for the treatment of cancer; 18 or 19 (2) A Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 20 for the treatment of cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome, the medical 21 treatment is provided by a provider of health care and the facility 22 and personnel for the clinical trial or study have the experience and 23 training to provide the treatment in a capable manner; 24 (d) There is no medical treatment available which is considered 25 a more appropriate alternative medical treatment than the medical 26 treatment provided in the clinical trial or study; 27 (e) There is a reasonable expectation based on clinical data that 28 the medical treatment provided in the clinical trial or study will be at 29 least as effective as any other medical treatment; 30 (f) The clinical trial or study is conducted in this State; and 31 (g) The enrollee has signed, before participating in the clinical 32 trial or study, a statement of consent indicating that the enrollee has 33 been informed of, without limitation: 34 (1) The procedure to be undertaken; 35 (2) Alternative methods of treatment; and 36 (3) The risks associated with participation in the clinical trial 37 or study, including, without limitation, the general nature and extent 38 of such risks. 39 2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the coverage 40 for medical treatment required by this section is limited to: 41 (a) Coverage for any drug or device that is approved for sale by 42 the Food and Drug Administration without regard to whether the 43 approved drug or device has been approved for use in the medical 44 treatment of the enrollee. 45 – 99 – - *SB397* (b) The cost of any reasonably necessary health care services 1 that are required as a result of the medical treatment provided in a 2 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study or as a result of 3 any complication arising out of the medical treatment provided in a 4 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study, to the extent 5 that such health care services would otherwise be covered under the 6 health care plan. 7 (c) The cost of any routine health care services that would 8 otherwise be covered under the health care plan for an enrollee in a 9 Phase I clinical trial or study. 10 (d) The initial consultation to determine whether the enrollee is 11 eligible to participate in the clinical trial or study. 12 (e) Health care services required for the clinically appropriate 13 monitoring of the enrollee during a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV 14 clinical trial or study. 15 (f) Health care services which are required for the clinically 16 appropriate monitoring of the enrollee during a Phase I clinical trial 17 or study and which are not directly related to the clinical trial or 18 study. 19 Except as otherwise provided in NRS 695C.1691, the services 20 provided pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), (e) and (f) must be covered 21 only if the services are provided by a provider with whom the health 22 maintenance organization has contracted for such services. If the 23 health maintenance organization has not contracted for the provision 24 of such services, the health maintenance organization shall pay the 25 provider the rate of reimbursement that is paid to other providers 26 with whom the health maintenance organization has contracted for 27 similar services and the provider shall accept that rate of 28 reimbursement as payment in full. 29 3. Particular medical treatment described in subsection 2 and 30 provided to an enrollee is not required to be covered pursuant to this 31 section if that particular medical treatment is provided by the 32 sponsor of the clinical trial or study free of charge to the enrollee. 33 4. The coverage for medical treatment required by this section 34 does not include: 35 (a) Any portion of the clinical trial or study that is customarily 36 paid for by a government or a biotechnical, pharmaceutical or 37 medical industry. 38 (b) Coverage for a drug or device described in paragraph (a) of 39 subsection 2 which is paid for by the manufacturer, distributor or 40 provider of the drug or device. 41 (c) Health care services that are specifically excluded from 42 coverage under the enrollee’s health care plan, regardless of whether 43 such services are provided under the clinical trial or study. 44 – 100 – - *SB397* (d) Health care services that are customarily provided by the 1 sponsors of the clinical trial or study free of charge to the 2 participants in the trial or study. 3 (e) Extraneous expenses related to participation in the clinical 4 trial or study, including, without limitation, travel, housing and 5 other expenses that a participant may incur. 6 (f) Any expenses incurred by a person who accompanies the 7 enrollee during the clinical trial or study. 8 (g) Any item or service that is provided solely to satisfy a need 9 or desire for data collection or analysis that is not directly related to 10 the clinical management of the enrollee. 11 (h) Any costs for the management of research relating to the 12 clinical trial or study. 13 5. A health maintenance organization that delivers or issues for 14 delivery a health care plan specified in subsection 1 may require 15 copies of the approval or certification issued pursuant to paragraph 16 (b) of subsection 1, the statement of consent signed by the enrollee, 17 protocols for the clinical trial or study and any other materials 18 related to the scope of the clinical trial or study relevant to the 19 coverage of medical treatment pursuant to this section. 20 6. A health maintenance organization that delivers or issues for 21 delivery a health care plan specified in subsection 1 shall provide 22 the coverage required by this section subject to the same deductible, 23 copayment, coinsurance and other such conditions for coverage that 24 are required under the plan. 25 7. A health care plan subject to the provisions of this chapter 26 that is delivered, issued for delivery or renewed on or after 27 January 1, [2006,] 2026, has the legal effect of including the 28 coverage required by this section, and any provision of the plan that 29 conflicts with this section is void. 30 8. A health maintenance organization that delivers or issues for 31 delivery a health care plan specified in subsection 1 is immune from 32 liability for: 33 (a) Any injury to an enrollee caused by: 34 (1) Any medical treatment provided to the enrollee in 35 connection with his or her participation in a clinical trial or study 36 described in this section; or 37 (2) An act or omission by a provider of health care who 38 provides medical treatment or supervises the provision of medical 39 treatment to the enrollee in connection with his or her participation 40 in a clinical trial or study described in this section. 41 (b) Any adverse or unanticipated outcome arising out of an 42 enrollee’s participation in a clinical trial or study described in this 43 section. 44 9. As used in this section: 45 – 101 – - *SB397* (a) “Cooperative group” means a network of facilities that 1 collaborate on research projects and has established a peer review 2 program approved by the National Institutes of Health. The term 3 includes: 4 (1) The Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program; and 5 (2) The Community Clinical Oncology Program. 6 (b) “Facility authorized to conduct Phase I clinical trials or 7 studies for the treatment of cancer” means a facility or an affiliate of 8 a facility that: 9 (1) Has in place a Phase I program which permits only 10 selective participation in the program and which uses clear-cut 11 criteria to determine eligibility for participation in the program; 12 (2) Operates a protocol review and monitoring system which 13 conforms to the standards set forth in the “Policies and Guidelines 14 Relating to the Cancer Center Support Grant” published by the 15 Cancer Centers Branch of the National Cancer Institute; 16 (3) Employs at least two researchers and at least one of those 17 researchers receives funding from a federal grant; 18 (4) Employs at least three clinical investigators who have 19 experience working in Phase I clinical trials or studies conducted at 20 a facility designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the 21 National Cancer Institute; 22 (5) Possesses specialized resources for use in Phase I clinical 23 trials or studies, including, without limitation, equipment that 24 facilitates research and analysis in proteomics, genomics and 25 pharmacokinetics; 26 (6) Is capable of gathering, maintaining and reporting 27 electronic data; and 28 (7) Is capable of responding to audits instituted by federal 29 and state agencies. 30 (c) “Provider of health care” means: 31 (1) A hospital; or 32 (2) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 of 33 NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed pursuant to 34 chapter 630A of NRS. 35 Sec. 127. NRS 695G.127 is hereby amended to read as 36 follows: 37 695G.127 1. A managed care organization shall not contract 38 with a provider of health care to provide health care to an insured 39 unless the managed care organization uses the form prescribed by 40 the Commissioner pursuant to NRS 629.095 to obtain any 41 information related to the credentials of the provider of health care. 42 2. A contract between a managed care organization and a 43 provider of health care may be modified: 44 – 102 – - *SB397* (a) At any time pursuant to a written agreement executed by 1 both parties. 2 (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, by the 3 managed care organization upon giving to the provider 45 days’ 4 written notice of the modification of the managed care 5 organization’s schedule of payments, including any changes to the 6 fee schedule applicable to the provider’s practice. If the provider 7 fails to object in writing to the modification within the 45-day 8 period, the modification becomes effective at the end of that period. 9 If the provider objects in writing to the modification within the 45-10 day period, the modification must not become effective unless 11 agreed to by both parties as described in paragraph (a). 12 3. If a managed care organization contracts with a provider of 13 health care to provide health care services pursuant to chapter 689A, 14 689B, 689C, 695A, 695B or 695C of NRS, the managed care 15 organization shall: 16 (a) If requested by the provider of health care at the time the 17 contract is made, submit to the provider of health care the schedule 18 of payments applicable to the provider of health care; or 19 (b) If requested by the provider of health care at any other time, 20 submit to the provider of health care the schedule of payments, 21 including any changes to the fee schedule applicable to the 22 provider’s practice, specified in paragraph (a) within 7 days after 23 receiving the request. 24 4. As used in this section, “provider of health care” means a 25 provider of health care who is licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631, 26 632 or 633 of NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed 27 pursuant to chapter 630A of NRS. 28 Sec. 128. NRS 695G.173 is hereby amended to read as 29 follows: 30 695G.173 1. A health care plan issued by a managed care 31 organization must provide coverage for medical treatment which a 32 person insured under the plan receives as part of a clinical trial or 33 study if: 34 (a) The medical treatment is provided in a Phase I, Phase II, 35 Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial for the treatment of 36 cancer or in a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 37 for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome; 38 (b) The clinical trial or study is approved by: 39 (1) An agency of the National Institutes of Health as set forth 40 in 42 U.S.C. § 281(b); 41 (2) A cooperative group; 42 (3) The Food and Drug Administration as an application for 43 a new investigational drug; 44 (4) The United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or 45 – 103 – - *SB397* (5) The United States Department of Defense; 1 (c) In the case of: 2 (1) A Phase I clinical trial or study for the treatment of 3 cancer, the medical treatment is provided at a facility authorized to 4 conduct Phase I clinical trials or studies for the treatment of cancer; 5 or 6 (2) A Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV study or clinical trial 7 for the treatment of cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome, the medical 8 treatment is provided by a provider of health care and the facility 9 and personnel for the clinical trial or study have the experience and 10 training to provide the treatment in a capable manner; 11 (d) There is no medical treatment available which is considered 12 a more appropriate alternative medical treatment than the medical 13 treatment provided in the clinical trial or study; 14 (e) There is a reasonable expectation based on clinical data that 15 the medical treatment provided in the clinical trial or study will be at 16 least as effective as any other medical treatment; 17 (f) The clinical trial or study is conducted in this State; and 18 (g) The insured has signed, before participating in the clinical 19 trial or study, a statement of consent indicating that the insured has 20 been informed of, without limitation: 21 (1) The procedure to be undertaken; 22 (2) Alternative methods of treatment; and 23 (3) The risks associated with participation in the clinical trial 24 or study, including, without limitation, the general nature and extent 25 of such risks. 26 2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the coverage 27 for medical treatment required by this section is limited to: 28 (a) Coverage for any drug or device that is approved for sale by 29 the Food and Drug Administration without regard to whether the 30 approved drug or device has been approved for use in the medical 31 treatment of the insured. 32 (b) The cost of any reasonably necessary health care services 33 that are required as a result of the medical treatment provided in a 34 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study or as a result of 35 any complication arising out of the medical treatment provided in a 36 Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV clinical trial or study, to the extent 37 that such health care services would otherwise be covered under the 38 health care plan. 39 (c) The cost of any routine health care services that would 40 otherwise be covered under the health care plan for an insured in a 41 Phase I clinical trial or study. 42 (d) The initial consultation to determine whether the insured is 43 eligible to participate in the clinical trial or study. 44 – 104 – - *SB397* (e) Health care services required for the clinically appropriate 1 monitoring of the insured during a Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV 2 clinical trial or study. 3 (f) Health care services which are required for the clinically 4 appropriate monitoring of the insured during a Phase I clinical trial 5 or study and which are not directly related to the clinical trial or 6 study. 7 Except as otherwise provided in NRS 695G.164, the services 8 provided pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c), (e) and (f) must be covered 9 only if the services are provided by a provider with whom the 10 managed care organization has contracted for such services. If the 11 managed care organization has not contracted for the provision of 12 such services, the managed care organization shall pay the provider 13 the rate of reimbursement that is paid to other providers with whom 14 the managed care organization has contracted for similar services 15 and the provider shall accept that rate of reimbursement as payment 16 in full. 17 3. Particular medical treatment described in subsection 2 and 18 provided to a person insured under the plan is not required to be 19 covered pursuant to this section if that particular medical treatment 20 is provided by the sponsor of the clinical trial or study free of charge 21 to the person insured under the plan. 22 4. The coverage for medical treatment required by this section 23 does not include: 24 (a) Any portion of the clinical trial or study that is customarily 25 paid for by a government or a biotechnical, pharmaceutical or 26 medical industry. 27 (b) Coverage for a drug or device described in paragraph (a) of 28 subsection 2 which is paid for by the manufacturer, distributor or 29 provider of the drug or device. 30 (c) Health care services that are specifically excluded from 31 coverage under the insured’s health care plan, regardless of whether 32 such services are provided under the clinical trial or study. 33 (d) Health care services that are customarily provided by the 34 sponsors of the clinical trial or study free of charge to the 35 participants in the trial or study. 36 (e) Extraneous expenses related to participation in the clinical 37 trial or study, including, without limitation, travel, housing and 38 other expenses that a participant may incur. 39 (f) Any expenses incurred by a person who accompanies the 40 insured during the clinical trial or study. 41 (g) Any item or service that is provided solely to satisfy a need 42 or desire for data collection or analysis that is not directly related to 43 the clinical management of the insured. 44 – 105 – - *SB397* (h) Any costs for the management of research relating to the 1 clinical trial or study. 2 5. A managed care organization that delivers or issues for 3 delivery a health care plan specified in subsection 1 may require 4 copies of the approval or certification issued pursuant to paragraph 5 (b) of subsection 1, the statement of consent signed by the insured, 6 protocols for the clinical trial or study and any other materials 7 related to the scope of the clinical trial or study relevant to the 8 coverage of medical treatment pursuant to this section. 9 6. A managed care organization that delivers or issues for 10 delivery a health care plan specified in subsection 1 shall provide 11 the coverage required by this section subject to the same deductible, 12 copayment, coinsurance and other such conditions for coverage that 13 are required under the plan. 14 7. A health care plan subject to the provisions of this chapter 15 that is delivered, issued for delivery or renewed on or after 16 January 1, [2006,] 2026, has the legal effect of including the 17 coverage required by this section, and any provision of the plan that 18 conflicts with this section is void. 19 8. A managed care organization that delivers or issues for 20 delivery a health care plan specified in subsection 1 is immune from 21 liability for: 22 (a) Any injury to an insured caused by: 23 (1) Any medical treatment provided to the insured in 24 connection with his or her participation in a clinical trial or study 25 described in this section; or 26 (2) An act or omission by a provider of health care who 27 provides medical treatment or supervises the provision of medical 28 treatment to the insured in connection with his or her participation in 29 a clinical trial or study described in this section. 30 (b) Any adverse or unanticipated outcome arising out of an 31 insured’s participation in a clinical trial or study described in this 32 section. 33 9. As used in this section: 34 (a) “Cooperative group” means a network of facilities that 35 collaborate on research projects and has established a peer review 36 program approved by the National Institutes of Health. The term 37 includes: 38 (1) The Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program; and 39 (2) The Community Clinical Oncology Program. 40 (b) “Facility authorized to conduct Phase I clinical trials or 41 studies for the treatment of cancer” means a facility or an affiliate of 42 a facility that: 43 – 106 – - *SB397* (1) Has in place a Phase I program which permits only 1 selective participation in the program and which uses clear-cut 2 criteria to determine eligibility for participation in the program; 3 (2) Operates a protocol review and monitoring system which 4 conforms to the standards set forth in the “Policies and Guidelines 5 Relating to the Cancer Center Support Grant” published by the 6 Cancer Centers Branch of the National Cancer Institute; 7 (3) Employs at least two researchers and at least one of those 8 researchers receives funding from a federal grant; 9 (4) Employs at least three clinical investigators who have 10 experience working in Phase I clinical trials or studies conducted at 11 a facility designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the 12 National Cancer Institute; 13 (5) Possesses specialized resources for use in Phase I clinical 14 trials or studies, including, without limitation, equipment that 15 facilitates research and analysis in proteomics, genomics and 16 pharmacokinetics; 17 (6) Is capable of gathering, maintaining and reporting 18 electronic data; and 19 (7) Is capable of responding to audits instituted by federal 20 and state agencies. 21 (c) “Provider of health care” means: 22 (1) A hospital; or 23 (2) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 631 or 633 of 24 NRS [.] or a naturopathic physician who is licensed pursuant to 25 chapter 630A of NRS. 26 Sec. 129. 1. As soon as practicable on or after July 1, 2025, 27 the Governor shall appoint to the Nevada Board of Homeopathic 28 and Naturopathic Medical Examiners created by NRS 630A.100, as 29 amended by section 40 of this act: 30 (a) One new member described in subsection 2 of NRS 31 630A.110, as amended by section 41 of this act, to an initial term 32 that expires on June 30, 2027; and 33 (b) One new member described in subsection 2 of NRS 34 630A.110, as amended by section 41 of this act, to an initial term 35 that expires on June 30, 2029. 36 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 2 of NRS 37 630A.110, as amended by section 41 of this act, the initial members 38 described in that subsection who are appointed to the Nevada Board 39 of Homeopathic and Naturopathic Medical Examiners pursuant to 40 subsection 1 may be persons who are licensed to practice 41 naturopathic medicine in the District of Columbia or any state or 42 territory of the United States, have been engaged in the practice of 43 naturopathic medicine in that jurisdiction for a period of more than 44 – 107 – - *SB397* 2 years preceding their respective appointments and are actually 1 engaged in the practice of naturopathic medicine. 2 Sec. 130. 1. This section becomes effective upon passage 3 and approval. 4 2. Sections 33, 40, 41, 96 and 129 of this act become effective 5 on July 1, 2025. 6 3. Sections 1 to 32, inclusive, 34 to 39, inclusive, 42 to 95, 7 inclusive, and 97 to 128, inclusive, of this act become effective: 8 (a) Upon passage and approval for the purpose of adopting any 9 regulations and performing any other preparatory administrative 10 tasks that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this act; and 11 (b) On January 1, 2026, for all other purposes. 12 H