Bill

Bill > SB032


CO SB032

CO SB032
Naturopathic Doctor Requirements Formulary


summary

Introduced
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/06/2025

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The bill clarifies that the existing naturopathic doctor formulary (existing formulary) includes prescription classes of medicines and clarifies what the practice of naturopathic medicine includes. In addition, the bill creates a new formulary for certain naturopathic doctors, which new formulary includes: ! All legend drugs, other than schedule I or II controlled substances or devices identified in the federal "Controlled Substances Act"; ! For a naturopathic doctor with a federal drug enforcement administration registration, anabolic steroids listed on schedule III of the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 2013"; and ! All drugs listed on schedules IV and V of the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 2013", except for benzodiazepines, oncological chemotherapeutics, and narcotics (new formulary). Before obtaining, dispensing, administering, injecting, ordering, or prescribing any of the medicines or devices included in the new formulary, a naturopathic doctor who is registered with the department of regulatory agencies (department) must provide proof of: ! Completion of 12 hours of pharmacological continuing education pertinent to or reflective of the naturopathic formulary; ! Passage of the elective pharmacology examination of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations; or ! Licensure in good standing in another state that has equivalent prescribing authority. A naturopathic doctor who does not provide such proof is limited to the medicines and devices contained within the existing formulary. The bill prohibits a naturopathic doctor from prescribing: ! A medicine or device to an individual under 18 years of age; or ! Antipsychotics or ketamine to an individual of any age unless recommended by the naturopathic medicine advisory committee and approved by the director of the division of professions and occupations in the department (director). The bill requires an individual applying for issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of a registration as a naturopathic doctor on or after September 1, 2025, to pass a pharmacology examination administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners or a nationally recognized, director-approved successor entity. Upon passage of the exam, the individual is able to obtain, dispense, administer, inject, order, or prescribe any of the medicines or devices included in the new formulary. For the renewal of a naturopathic doctor's registration on or after June 1, 2026, the bill requires a naturopathic doctor to complete 8 hours per year of continuing education in pharmacology. Lastly, the bill prohibits a naturopathic doctor from administering intravenous therapy without first being certified by a nationally recognized, director-approved entity.

AI Summary

This bill updates regulations for naturopathic doctors in Colorado, focusing primarily on expanding their prescribing capabilities and establishing new professional requirements. The bill modifies the naturopathic formulary to include prescription and nonprescription medicines and devices, and introduces new criteria for naturopathic doctors to obtain expanded prescribing authority. Starting September 1, 2025, naturopathic doctors will be able to prescribe a broader range of medications, including legend drugs, certain controlled substances, barrier contraceptives, vaccines for adults, and various substances like vitamins, minerals, and hormones. To qualify for these expanded prescribing rights, doctors must either complete 12 hours of pharmacological continuing education, pass a specific pharmacology examination (NPLEX), or demonstrate equivalent prescribing authority from another state. The bill also adds requirements for annual pharmacology-focused continuing education, mandates certification for administering intravenous therapy, and prohibits prescribing to minors, antipsychotics, and ketamine without specific approvals. Additionally, the bill updates registration requirements, including a new requirement to pass a pharmacology examination for new and renewing registrations after September 1, 2025, and includes naturopathic doctors as authorized electronic prescribers of controlled substances.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Senate Committee on Health & Human Services Postpone Indefinitely (on 02/06/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...