Bill > HB147

This bill modifies Alaska's laws regarding naturopathy by establishing a new system of temporary and permanent endorsements for naturopaths to prescribe and administer prescription drugs. Under the new provisions, naturopaths can obtain a temporary endorsement by passing a pharmacology examination and meeting departmental requirements, with mandatory supervision by a physician who has at least five years of prescription drug experience. After one year of supervised practice, the supervising physician will recommend whether the naturopath should receive a full endorsement, require further supervision, or be denied. The bill also introduces continuing education requirements for license renewal, mandating 60 hours of education every two years, with at least 20 hours focused on pharmacotherapy. Additionally, the bill expands restrictions on naturopathic practice, prohibiting practitioners from prescribing certain drugs like controlled substances, cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, and antipsychotic medications without proper endorsement. The legislation establishes new grounds for disciplinary actions, including potential license revocation or suspension for various professional misconduct issues, and clarifies that practicing without a valid license or endorsement is a class A misdemeanor punishable by fines and potential imprisonment.

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https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB147