April 10, 2003 (SACRAMENTO, California) --- In an effort to expand consumer access to natural medicine, legislation has been introduced in the California legislature to extend licensure to the Golden State's naturopathic physicians. If the bill, S.B. 907, is enacted, California will join 12 other states across the country with licensure laws in place for graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools.
"This bill is a giant step forward in meeting the needs of Californians who have embraced a natural approach to health and wellness," stated Holly Lucille, N.D., President of the California Association of Naturopathic Physicians (CANP). "Through licensure, naturopathic physicians across California would finally be able to practice to the full scope of our education and training," she continued, "providing our patients with the very medicine which countless individuals across the state have been demanding for years."
The bill was introduced by California Senate President John Burton, and has been referred to the Senate Business and Professions Committee. Action on the bill is expected later this month. If the bill ultimately passes the Senate, the California Assembly will then convene to consider the measure.
The CANP has launched a grassroots advocacy campaign to promote the bill and fight for its passage. For more information on the campaign, or to enlist in the CANP's efforts to bring natural medicine to California, visit the campaign's website at www.NaturalMedicineNow.org.