TITLE XXX
OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS

Chapter 328-E
NATUROPATHIC HEALTH CARE PRACTICE

Section 328-E:1

328-E:1 Findings and Purpose. –
I. The general court finds that a significant number of New Hampshire residents choose naturopathic medicine for their health care needs and declares that naturopathic medicine is a distinct health care profession that affects the public health, safety and welfare, and provides for freedom of choice in health care.
II. The purpose of this chapter is:
(a) To provide standards for the licensure and regulation of doctors of naturopathic medicine in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) To insure that naturopathic medicine by qualified doctors of naturopathic medicine is available to the people of New Hampshire.
(c) To provide a means of identifying qualified doctors of naturopathic medicine.

Source. 1994, 392:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.

Section 328-E:2

328-E:2 Definitions. –
In this chapter:
I. "Acupuncture" means the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific points on the skin to treat human disease and impairment and to relieve pain.
II. "Approved naturopathic medical college" means a college or program granting the degree of doctor of naturopathic medicine or doctor of naturopathy that is approved by the board and which:
(a) Is accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education or other accrediting agency recognized by the federal government.
(b) Has candidate for accreditation status with such agency.
(c) Has been investigated by the board and found to meet education standards equivalent to those established by such agency.
III. "Board" means the naturopathic board of examiners established under RSA 328-E:7.
IV. "Doctor of naturopathic medicine" means a person authorized and licensed to practice naturopathic medicine under this chapter.
IV-a. "Executive director" means the executive director of the office of professional licensure and certification.
V. "Homeopathic preparations" means medicines prepared according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States.
VI. "Minor office procedures" means care incident to superficial lacerations and abrasions, and the removal of foreign bodies located in superficial structures, not to include the eyes. It shall include the use of antiseptics in connection with such procedures but shall not include the alteration or removal of tissue.
VII. "Naturopathic childbirth" means natural childbirth which includes the use of natural obstetrical medicines, ophthalmic antibiotics, obstetrical emergency medicines and minor surgery including episiotomies, but which does not include the use of forceps delivery, general or spinal anesthesia, cesarean section, or induced abortions.
VIII. "Naturopathic manipulative therapy" means the manually administered, mechanical treatment of body structures or tissues, in accordance with naturopathic principles, for the purpose of restoring normal physiological function to the body by normalizing and balancing the musculoskeletal system of the body.
IX. "Naturopathic medicine" means a system of primary health care practiced by doctors of naturopathic medicine for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human health conditions, injuries, and diseases that uses education, natural medicines and therapies to support and stimulate the individual's intrinsic self-healing processes.
X. "Naturopathic physical medicine" means the therapeutic use of the physical agents of air, water, heat, cold, sound, light, and electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation and the physical modalities of electrotherapy, diathermy, ultraviolet light, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy, and therapeutic exercise.
XI. "Topical medicines" means topical analgesics, anesthetics, antiseptics, scabicides, antifungals, and antibacterials.

Source. 1994, 392:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995. 2018, 80:1, eff. July 24, 2018.

Section 328-E:3

328-E:3 License Required; Licensee Title. –
I. No persons shall practice or represent themselves as practicing naturopathic medicine in this state without first applying for and receiving a license from the board to practice naturopathic medicine.
II. Licensees shall use the title "doctor of naturopathic medicine" and the recognized abbreviation "N.D." Doctors of naturopathic medicine shall have the exclusive right to use of the terms: "doctor of naturopathic medicine," "naturopathic doctor," "naturopath," "doctor of naturopathy," "naturopathic medicine," "naturopathic health care," "naturopathy," and "N.D."
III. Persons who represent themselves as doctors of naturopathic medicine are those who adopt or use any title or any description of services that uses one or more of the terms listed in paragraph II of this section.

Source. 1994, 392:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.

Section 328-E:4

328-E:4 Scope of Practice. –
I. Doctors of naturopathic medicine shall be authorized to use for preventive and therapeutic purposes the following natural medicines and therapies: food, food extracts, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, digestive aids, whole gland thyroid, plant substances, all homeopathic preparations, topical medicines, counseling, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, dietary therapy, naturopathic physical medicine, therapeutic devices, and barrier devices for contraception.
II. Doctors of naturopathic medicine may use for diagnostic purposes physical and orifical examinations, X-rays, electrocardiograms, ultrasound, phlebotomy, clinical laboratory tests and examinations, and physiological function tests.
III. Doctors of naturopathic medicine may prescribe nonprescription medications and therapeutic devices or use noninvasive diagnostic procedures commonly used by medical practitioners in general practice.
IV. Doctors of naturopathic medicine shall not:
(a) Prescribe, dispense, or administer any legend or controlled substances as defined in RSA 318 and 318-B, except those natural medicines as authorized by this chapter.
(b) Perform surgical procedures.
(c) Practice emergency medicine, except as a good samaritan rendering gratuitous services in the case of emergency and except for the care of minor injuries.
(d) Practice or claim to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, optometry, chiropractic, physical therapy, or any other system or method of treatment not authorized in this chapter.
V. Doctors of naturopathic medicine with specialty certification in naturopathic childbirth pursuant to RSA 328-E:12 shall be authorized to use oxytocin and pitocin.
VI. Doctors of naturopathic medicine shall be permitted to provide services through the use of telemedicine. "Telemedicine" means the use of audio, video, or other electronic media for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.

Source. 1994, 392:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995. 2020, 27:22, eff. July 21, 2020.

Section 328-E:5

328-E:5 Exemptions. –
I. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit or to restrict:
(a) The practice of a profession by individuals who are licensed, certified, or registered under other laws of this state who are performing services within their authorized scope of practice.
(b) The practice of naturopathic medicine by an individual employed by the government of the United States while the individual is engaged in the performance of duties prescribed by the laws and regulations of the United States.
(c) The practice by a doctor of naturopathic medicine duly registered or licensed in another state, territory, or the District of Columbia when incidentally called into this state for consultation with a licensed physician.
(d) The practice of naturopathic medicine by students enrolled in an approved naturopathic medical college. The performance of services shall be pursuant to a course of instruction or assignments from an instructor and under the supervision of the instructor. The instructor shall be a doctor of naturopathic medicine licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(e) Residents of this state who are of legal majority and who have held themselves out as a naturopath or a doctor of naturopathic medicine prior to July 1, 1991, from being licensed under this chapter if they:
(1) Are not licensed, certified, or registered as a health care provider under any other law of this state.
(2) Derive the majority of their earned income from the practice of naturopathic medicine in New Hampshire.
(3) Apply for a license in a manner prescribed by the board on or before March 1, 1998.
(f) The treatment of the sick or suffering by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of an established church or religious denomination.
(g) Any individual rendering aid in an emergency, when no fee or other consideration for the service is charged, received, expected, or contemplated.
(h) Any individual administering a domestic or family remedy.
(i) Any person engaged in the sale of vitamins, health foods, dietary supplements, and other products of nature, the sale of which is not otherwise prohibited under state or federal law, as long as such person is not diagnosing any human disease, ailment, injury, or other condition.
II. Persons licensed pursuant to RSA 328-E:5, I(e) shall:
(a) Be subject to all eligibility requirements to practice naturopathic medicine pursuant to RSA 328-E:9, except that they shall be exempt from RSA 328-E:9, I(a).
(b) Practice naturopathic medicine within a scope of practice which reflects the limits of their training and experience as determined and approved by the board.

Source. 1994, 392:1. 1997, 170:1, 2, eff. June 9, 1997.

Section 328-E:6

328-E:6 Public Health Authority and Responsibility. – Doctors of naturopathic medicine shall have the same authority and responsibility as other medical practitioners regarding public health laws, reportable diseases and conditions, communicable disease control and prevention, recording of vital statistics, health and physical examinations, and local boards of health, except that such authority shall be limited to activity consistent with the scope of practice authorized by this chapter.

Source. 1994, 392:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.

Section 328-E:7

328-E:7 Naturopathic Board of Examiners. –
I. There shall be a naturopathic board of examiners consisting of the following members:
(a) Four doctors of naturopathic medicine appointed by the governor, who shall be:
(1) Two persons who have been practitioners in this state for 3 years immediately preceding such appointment.
(2) A doctor of naturopathic medicine who has been engaged in the practice of naturopathic medicine in this state, under licensure issued in this state, for 3 years immediately preceding appointment, except for the initial period of 3 years following enactment of this chapter.
(3) A graduate of an approved naturopathic college.
(b) [Repealed.]
(c) One public member appointed by the governor, who shall:
(1) Be of legal age of majority.
(2) Be a resident of this state for 5 years immediately preceding such appointment.
(3) Not be connected, in any manner with, or have any interest in, a school of medicine, health care institution or any person practicing any form of healing or treatment of bodily or mental ailments.
(4) Demonstrate an interest in the health problems in this state.
II. The terms of office shall be 5 years for all board members. The initial board appointees shall consist of one doctor of naturopathic medicine for a term of 5 years, one doctor of naturopathic medicine for a term of 4 years, one doctor of naturopathic medicine for a term of 3 years, one doctor of naturopathic medicine for a term of 2 years, and one public member for a term of 5 years. A member may be removed from office by the governor if the governor finds the member was guilty of malfeasance, misfeasance or dishonorable conduct. A member shall serve until a successor is appointed. If a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person with the same qualifications as the retiring member.
III. There shall be no monetary liability on the part of and no cause of action shall arise against the members of the board, or personnel of the board, for any act done or proceeding undertaken or performed in good faith and in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter.
IV. The board shall hold a meeting at least semi-annually. In addition, the board may hold special meetings as it deems necessary.
V. Members of the board shall elect a chairperson annually from among the members. A majority of the members of the board who have been approved by the governor and council constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
VI. [Repealed.]
VII. [Repealed.]

Source. 1994, 392:1, 2. 1995, 310:182. 2010, 118:11. 2015, 276:108, XXII, eff. July 1, 2015. 2018, 80:2, 4, eff. July 24, 2018. 2021, 197:90, 92, eff. July 1, 2021.

Section 328-E:8

328-E:8 Powers and Duties of the Board. –
I. The board shall:
(a) Insure that doctors of naturopathic medicine serving the public meet minimum standards of proficiency and competency to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
(b) Administer and enforce all provisions of this chapter, which pertain to licensees and applicants, and all rules adopted by the board under the authority granted in this chapter.
(c) Maintain a record of its acts and proceedings, including the issuance, refusal, renewal, suspension or revocation of licenses in accordance with the retention schedule established by the office of professional licensure and certification.
(d) Keep all applications for licensure in accordance with the retention policy established by the office of professional licensure and certification.
(e) Maintain a record of the results of all examinations it gives in accordance with the office of professional licensure and certification.
(f) Keep all examination records including written examination records and tape recordings of the questions and answers in oral examinations in accordance with the retention policy established by the office of professional licensure and certification.
(g) Keep the records of the board open to public inspection at all reasonable times.
(h) Adopt and use a seal, the imprint of which, together with the signatures of the chairman or vice-chairman and the secretary-treasurer of the board, shall evidence its official acts.
(i) Annually compile and publish a directory.
II. [Repealed.]
III. [Repealed.]
IV. [Repealed.]

Source. 1994, 392:1. 2014, 167:27. 2015, 276:96, 108, XXIII, eff. July 1, 2015. 2018, 80:3, eff. July 24, 2018. 2021, 197:91, eff. July 1, 2021. 2023, 212:24, I, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.

Section 328-E:9

328-E:9 Qualification for Licensure. –
I. To be eligible for a license to practice naturopathic medicine, the applicant shall:
(a) Be a graduate of a naturopathic medical college which is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education or another such accrediting agency recognized by the federal government; and pass a competency based examination prescribed by the board covering the appropriate naturopathic subjects; or,
(b) Be a graduate of a naturopathic medical college which has been approved by the board as having appropriate education standards for naturopathic medical programs which granted degrees prior to 1981.
(c) Possess a good moral and professional reputation.
(d) Be physically and mentally fit to practice naturopathic medicine.
(e) Have had no license, certification, or registration to practice naturopathic medicine refused, revoked or suspended by any other state or country for reasons which relate to the applicant's ability to skillfully and safely practice naturopathic medicine.
(f) Take and pass a New Hampshire jurisprudence examination to ensure that licensed naturopathic doctors understand the laws, rules, and scope of practice.
(g) File an application and pay the $300 license fee.
II. To obtain a license to practice naturopathic medicine by reciprocity, the applicant shall:
(a) Qualify under paragraph I, except that no written examination shall be required.
(b) Be licensed, certified, or registered by another state or the District of Columbia to practice naturopathic medicine which requires a written examination which is substantially equivalent to the written examination required by the board of this state.

Source. 1994, 392:1. 2014, 167:28, eff. July 1, 2014. 2018, 80:5, eff. July 24, 2018.

Section 328-E:9-a

328-E:9-a Criminal History Record Checks. –
I. Every applicant for initial licensure shall submit to the board a criminal history record information authorization form, as provided by the New Hampshire division of state police, department of safety, which authorizes the release of his or her criminal history record information, if any, to the board.
II. The applicant shall submit with the release form a complete set of fingerprints taken by a qualified law enforcement agency or an authorized employee of the department of safety. In the event that the first set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern, a second set of fingerprints shall be necessary in order to complete the criminal history records check. If, after 2 attempts, a set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern, the board may, in lieu of the criminal history records check, accept police clearances from every city, town, or county where the person has lived during the past 5 years.
III. The board shall submit the criminal history records release form and fingerprint form to the division of state police which shall conduct a criminal history records check through its records and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon completion of the records check, the division of state police shall release copies of the criminal history records to the board. The board shall maintain the confidentiality of all criminal history records information received pursuant to this section.
IV. The applicant shall bear the cost of a criminal history records check.

Source. 2018, 80:6, eff. July 24, 2018. 2019, 297:8, eff. July 1, 2019.

Section 328-E:10

328-E:10 Rulemaking. –
I. The board shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A relative to:
(a) The practice of naturopathic health care.
(b) Naturopathic assistants who assist doctors of naturopathic medicine, including the qualifications of naturopathic assistants who are not otherwise licensed by law.
(c) Further requirements, as necessary, of doctors of naturopathic medicine for specialty practice, as required under RSA 328-E:12.
(d) The formulary approved by the council on doctors of naturopathic medicine formulary under RSA 328-E:16, III.
(e) Prescribing controlled drugs pursuant to RSA 318-B:41.
(f) Any other rules which are necessary or proper for the administration of this chapter.
II. The board shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A prescribing continuing education requirements for the renewal of licenses issued under this chapter.

Source. 1994, 392:1. 2016, 213:7, eff. June 7, 2016.

Section 328-E:10-a

328-E:10-a Display of License. – Any person issued a license under this chapter shall display the license at all times in a conspicuous place in the office where the licensee practices, and shall, whenever requested, exhibit such license to any of the members of the board or its authorized agent.

Source. 2018, 80:7, eff. July 24, 2018.

Section 328-E:11

328-E:11 Repealed by 2015, 276:108, XXIV, eff. July 1, 2015. –

Section 328-E:12

328-E:12 Naturopathic Childbirth or Acupuncture Specialty Certification. –
I. No doctor of naturopathic medicine shall practice naturopathic childbirth or acupuncture without first obtaining a certificate of specialty practice. The board shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A for the certification of doctors of naturopathic medicine for specialty practice.
II. To be certified in naturopathic childbirth, a doctor of naturopathic medicine shall be required to:
(a) Pass a specialty examination in obstetrics or natural childbirth approved by the board.
(b) Have at least 100 hours of course work, internship or preceptorship in obstetrics or natural childbirth approved by the board.
(c) Have participated in 40 supervised births, including prenatal and postnatal care, under the direct supervision of a licensed naturopathic, medical or osteopathic physician with specialty training in obstetrics or natural childbirth. The board may prescribe a national standardized examination in naturopathic childbirth as constituting the specialty examination.
(d) Meet the American College of Naturopath Obstetricians (ACNO) standards for childbirth.
III. To be certified in acupuncture, a doctor of naturopathic medicine shall be required to complete a program in acupuncture approved by the board that includes at least 500 hours of training in acupuncture, including both didactic and clinical training, and pass a specialty examination in acupuncture approved by the board. The board may prescribe a national standardized examination in acupuncture as constituting the specialty examination.

Source. 1994, 392:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.

Section 328-E:13

328-E:13 License Renewal and Continuing Education. –
I. The license to practice naturopathic medicine shall be renewed biennially. A fee in the amount of $300 shall accompany the application for renewal.
II. As a condition of renewal of license, the board shall require each licensee to show proof at least every 2 years that the licensee has completed an approved continuing naturopathic medical education program within the preceding 2 years. For the purposes of this section an "approved continuing naturopathic medical education program" means a program designed to continue the education of the licensee in current developments, skills, procedures, or treatment in the licensee's field of practice, which has been certified by a national or state naturopathic medical society or college or university and approved by the board. Such program shall include not less than 3 hours of education in pain management or addiction disorders, or a combination thereof.

Source. 1994, 392:1. 2014, 167:29, eff. July 1, 2014. 2018, 80:8, eff. July 24, 2018.

Section 328-E:14

328-E:14 Enforcement and Penalties. –
I. Whoever, not being licensed as provided in this chapter, shall advertise oneself or in any way hold oneself out as qualified to practice naturopathy, or shall practice naturopathy, or whoever does so after receiving notice that one's license has been revoked, and whoever, being licensed as provided in this chapter, shall advertise or call oneself or allow oneself to be advertised or called a physician or a doctor, or use any physician's or doctor's insignia as such, except "Doctor (name of naturopath), naturopath," or (name) "doctor of naturopathy", or (name) "naturopathic doctor," or (name) "doctor of naturopathic medicine," shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor if a natural person and guilty of a felony if any other person and, upon conviction, shall, if licensed, have such license revoked.
II. Persons licensed pursuant to this chapter who engage in the practice of naturopathic medicine without complying with this chapter shall be subject to disciplinary measures and may be subject to refused renewal, limitation, revocation, or suspension of their license.

Source. 1994, 392:1. 2006, 76:15, eff. July 1, 2006.

Section 328-E:14-a

328-E:14-a Repealed by 2023, 212:24, II, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. –

Section 328-E:15

328-E:15 Administration. – The executive director shall provide administrative services to the board created under this chapter. All administrative services shall be a cost to the board and shall be reimbursed by fees collected by the board under RSA 328-E:8, I(a).

Source. 1994, 392:1. 1995, 310:182. 2015, 276:97, eff. July 1, 2015.

Section 328-E:16

328-E:16 Council on Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine Formulary; Members; Duties. –
I. The council on doctors of naturopathic medicine formulary is established and shall consist of the following members:
(a) One member of the naturopathic board of examiners, appointed by the naturopathic board of examiners.
(b) One doctor licensed by the naturopathic board of examiners, appointed by the naturopathic board of examiners.
(c) One physician licensed by the board of medicine under RSA 329, appointed by the board of medicine.
(d) One pharmacist licensed by the state pharmacy board, appointed by the state pharmacy board.
(e) One additional member, who holds an advanced degree in either pharmacology or pharmacognosy, appointed by the council.
II. The chairperson of the council shall be elected annually by a majority of the council members.
III. The council established under paragraph I of this section shall determine the substances to be included in the formulary that may be prescribed by a doctor of naturopathic medicine acting under this chapter. The council shall review the formulary periodically. Immediately upon adoption or revision of the formulary, the council shall transmit the approved formulary to the board which shall adopt the formulary by rule. When determined to be appropriate to the scope of practice of doctors of naturopathic medicine the council on doctors of naturopathic medicine formulary may also consider synthetically-produced substances and their salts having an identical or substantially identical molecular structure to a plant or animal substance as found in nature to be plant or animal substances.
IV. The term of each member of the council shall be 2 years. A member shall serve until a successor is appointed. If a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person with the same qualifications as the retiring member.

Source. 1994, 392:1. 1995, 286:26, eff. Jan. 1, 1996. 2018, 80:10, eff. July 24, 2018.

Section 328-E:17

328-E:17 Severability. – If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable.

Source. 1994, 392:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.