summary
Introduced
10/17/2025
10/17/2025
In Committee
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/13/2026
03/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to naturopathic medicine; renaming ch. 462, F.S., as "Naturopathic Medicine"; creating s. 462.001, F.S.; providing legislative findings and purpose; creating s. 462.002, F.S.; providing applicability and construction; renumbering and amending s. 462.01, F.S.; revising and providing definitions; creating s. 462.004, F.S.; creating the Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Health; providing for membership of the board; renumbering and amending s. 462.023, F.S.; authorizing the board to adopt rules; deleting obsolete language; creating s. 462.006, F.S.; prohibiting an unlicensed person from practicing naturopathic medicine or using specified titles or abbreviations; providing construction; providing penalties; creating s. 462.007, F.S.; providing for licensure by examination of naturopathic doctors; requiring the department and the board to use an investigative process that meets certain criteria; authorizing the State Surgeon General or her or his designee to issue a 90-day licensure delay under certain circumstances; providing construction; prohibiting the board from certifying for licensure certain applicants until a certain investigation is completed; providing applicability; hb223-01-c1 authorizing the board to enter an order imposing certain sanctions against or conditions on an applicant under certain circumstances; creating s. 462.008, F.S.; providing for licensure by endorsement of naturopathic doctors; renumbering and amending s. 462.08, F.S.; revising requirements for licensure renewal for naturopathic doctors; requiring the department to adopt rules; renumbering and amending s. 462.18, F.S.; revising continuing education requirements for naturopathic doctors; requiring naturopathic doctors to use the department's electronic continuing education tracking system to demonstrate compliance with continuing education requirements; renumbering and amending s. 462.19, F.S.; revising provisions related to reactivation of inactive naturopathic doctor licenses; requiring the board to adopt certain rules; renumbering and amending s. 462.14, F.S.; revising grounds for disciplinary action; repealing s. 462.17, F.S.; relating to penalty for offenses relating to naturopathy; amending ss. 20.43, 381.0031, 468.301, 476.044, 477.0135, 485.003, 486.161, 627.351, 893.02, and 921.0022, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date. hb223-01-c1
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Naturopathic Medicine," aims to modernize the regulation of naturopathic practices in Florida by renaming Chapter 462 of the Florida Statutes from "Naturopathy" to "Naturopathic Medicine" and establishing a clear framework for licensed naturopathic doctors. It creates a Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Health, composed of seven members, including licensed naturopathic doctors and physicians, to oversee the profession. The bill defines "naturopathic medicine" as the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions using natural methods and substances, while distinguishing it from "naturopathy" which refers to traditional, non-invasive health practices. It outlines requirements for licensure by examination, including educational qualifications and passing a national licensing exam, and also provides for licensure by endorsement for those already licensed in other jurisdictions. The bill prohibits unlicensed individuals from practicing naturopathic medicine or using protected titles like "N.D." or "N.M.D.," with penalties for violations. It also revises requirements for license renewal, continuing education, and the reactivation of inactive licenses, mandating the use of an electronic tracking system for continuing education. Furthermore, it updates grounds for disciplinary action against licensees and makes conforming amendments to various other Florida Statutes to reflect these changes, with an effective date of December 31, 2026.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Other Sponsors (1)
Health & Human Services Committee (House)
Last Action
Laid on Table, refer to CS/SB 688 (on 03/11/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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