- Board of Registration in Naturopathy
Naturopathic Doctors became licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in April 2022. The practice of naturopathy is governed by statues enacted by the Massachusetts legislature and regulations promulgated by the Board. Statutes and regulations may be found on the Board’s website: https://www.mass.gov/lists/laws-and-regulations-for-the-board-of-registration-in-naturopathy.
Naturopathic Doctors provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to patients according to the training acquired through their 4-year, post-graduate, accredited Naturopathy Medical Physician Universities which are recognized by the Federal Department of Education and Regional Accrediting Bodies. They successfully passed the Naturopathic Physician Licensing Exams (NPLEX). In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Naturopathic Doctors are eligible for licensure through (1) examination, where the applicant has successfully passed the NPLEX exam from the North American Board of Naturopathy Examiners; (2) non-examination, where the applicant has completed a 4-year board recognized Naturopathy Doctor Program, provided letters of reference from a licensed ND, MD, or DO, practiced as a
Naturopathic Doctor and submitted a 500-page essay to the board for consideration; and (3) reciprocity, where the applicant is a licensed Naturopathy Doctor in another state, successfully passed the NPLEX exam, graduated from a 4-year board recognized program, and furnished the National Data Bank Practitioner Self-Query Report, attesting the practitioner’s is in good standing in the state (s) which they hold a license.
Naturopathic Doctors have the option of working in private practice settings, integrative health centers, hospitals, industry, research centers, cancer and other specialty clinics and facilities in the developing world. Some Naturopathic Doctors work in the natural products industry, education, publishing, and public health. Naturopathic doctors both refer out to and accept referrals from the spectrum of medical providers for both diagnostic and treatment support. Naturopathic doctors are eligible to sit on health-related statewide boards in the Commonwealth.
The Board of Registration in Naturopathy regulates the scope of practice and licensing aspects of Naturopathic Doctors. Should you have any additional questions pertaining to Naturopathic Doctors, kindly reach out to the board at 617-973-0806 and a board staff member will be more than happy to assist you!