summary
Introduced
12/01/2025
12/01/2025
In Committee
03/10/2026
03/10/2026
Crossed Over
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Passed
03/17/2026
03/17/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to naturopathic medicine; amending s. 456.47, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “telehealth provider” to include licensed naturopathic doctors; renaming ch. 462, F.S., as “Naturopathic Medicine”; creating s. 462.001, F.S.; providing legislative findings and intent; 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; providing applicability; renumbering and amending s. 462.023, F.S.; requiring the board and the department to adopt rules; deleting obsolete language; creating s. 462.006, F.S.; prohibiting unlicensed persons from practicing naturopathic medicine or promoting, identifying, or describing themselves using specified titles or abbreviations; providing criminal penalties; creating s. 462.007, F.S.; providing for licensure by examination of naturopathic doctors; prohibiting the board from certifying certain applicants for licensure until a certain investigation is completed; authorizing the board to take specified actions if it determines that an applicant does not meet all of the requirements for licensure; 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 renew a license under certain circumstances; 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 rules; specifying requirements for such rules; renumbering and amending s. 462.14, F.S.; revising grounds for disciplinary action; authorizing the board, rather than the department, to enter an order denying licensure or imposing disciplinary action for specified violations; requiring the board, rather than the department, to establish by rule disciplinary guidelines; 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.
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Naturopathic Medicine," aims to modernize and regulate the practice of naturopathic medicine in Florida by establishing a new framework for licensure and practice. Key provisions include expanding the definition of a "telehealth provider" to include licensed naturopathic doctors, renaming Chapter 462 of Florida Statutes from "Naturopathy" to "Naturopathic Medicine," and creating a Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Health to oversee the profession. The bill clarifies legislative findings and intent, emphasizing the evolution of the profession and the need for safe and effective practice standards. It also outlines exceptions to the chapter's applicability, such as for other licensed healthcare practitioners and students under supervision, and clarifies that individuals can still practice traditional naturopathy or related natural therapies without being licensed as a naturopathic doctor, as long as they do not misrepresent themselves as licensed naturopathic doctors. The bill details requirements for licensure by examination and endorsement, including educational qualifications and passing a national licensing exam, and establishes procedures for license renewal and continuing education, mandating the use of an electronic tracking system for compliance. Furthermore, it revises grounds for disciplinary action, granting the Board the authority to deny licensure or impose disciplinary measures, and repeals an outdated penalty section. Finally, the bill makes conforming amendments to various other Florida Statutes to reflect these changes and sets an effective date of December 31, 2026.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (1)
Fiscal Policy (Senate)
Last Action
Ordered enrolled (on 03/17/2026)
Official Document
bill text
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