Bill > HB1888

This bill expands the scope of practice for naturopathic physicians in Washington State, primarily focusing on their ability to prescribe and administer controlled substances. The bill recognizes naturopathic physicians as primary care providers and aims to address the state's healthcare provider shortage by empowering them to practice more comprehensively. Key provisions include allowing naturopathic physicians to prescribe legend drugs, controlled substances in Schedules III through V, and even stimulant medications in Schedule II, with some important qualifications. Before prescribing controlled substances beyond testosterone and codeine products, naturopathic physicians must pass an examination approved by the board demonstrating pharmaceutical prescribing competence and register with the prescription monitoring program. The bill also enables naturopathic physicians to sign various legal and medical documents, such as disability determinations, hospice orders, and student athletic forms, as long as these are within their scope of practice. The legislature justifies these changes by highlighting naturopathic physicians' extensive medical training, which includes basic and clinical sciences, and their potential to help address ongoing healthcare challenges like the opioid crisis by providing more comprehensive patient care.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1888&Year=2025&Initiative=false