Bill

Bill > LD1128


ME LD1128

ME LD1128
An Act to Modernize the Formulary for Naturopathic Doctors


summary

Introduced
03/18/2025
In Committee
03/18/2025
Crossed Over
05/20/2025
Passed
05/27/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/30/2025

Introduced Session

132nd Legislature

Bill Summary

An Act to Modernize the Formulary for Naturopathic Doctors Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and Whereas, the rule designating the formulary for naturopathic doctors has not been updated since 1996; and Whereas, there is a statutory inconsistency that restricts the authority of the Board of Complementary Health Care Providers to amend the formulary by rule; and Whereas, this legislation corrects that inconsistency and must take effect immediately so that the process to update the formulary can begin; and Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

AI Summary

This bill modernizes the formulary (the list of medications) that naturopathic doctors are allowed to prescribe by updating outdated regulations and clarifying the rule-making process. Specifically, the bill removes the pharmacist member from the formulary subcommittee that designates which noncontrolled legend drugs (prescription medications that are not controlled substances) naturopathic doctors can prescribe. The bill requires the Board of Complementary Health Care Providers to update the formulary by January 1, 2026, and mandates that the formulary subcommittee consult with pharmacist members of the Maine Board of Pharmacy before making final recommendations. The legislation addresses a statutory inconsistency that previously restricted the board's ability to amend the formulary, which has not been updated since 1996. Naturopathic doctors will continue to be limited to prescribing homeopathic remedies, vitamins, minerals, hormones, local anesthesia, and immunizations, and will remain prohibited from prescribing psychotropic medications. The bill is classified as an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon approval, to ensure the formulary can be promptly updated.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Governor's Action: Emergency Signed, May 30, 2025 (on 05/30/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...