In states that license naturopathic physicians, including Arizona, the profession is regulated. In these states, naturopathic physicians must pass either national or state board examinations and must have received an education from an accredited four-year, graduate level, naturopathic medical school. Their actions are subject to review by a state board of examiners to ensure protection of the patients.

NPAC (Naturopathic Public Awareness Campaign) is a student formed and run organization based out of Southwest College. This group of highly dedicated and motivated individuals volunteers time in the pursuit of nationwide licensure for Naturopathic Physicians and works closely with the AANP, individual state Naturopathic Associations and students from the other accredited educational institutions. Fundraisers are conducted throughout the year and the proceeds are used in letter-writing campaigns, public education and travel funds for students speaking at legislative sessions. For more information please visit the NPAC website at www.globalNPAC.org.

Efforts to enact licensing laws are underway in several states. The best sources of current information about the legal status of naturopathic medicine in a particular area are the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20016 or www.naturopathic.org), state or provincial naturopathic associations, or individual naturopathic physicians in that area.

Southwest College is governed by the State of Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Board of Medical Examiners http://www.npbomex.az.gov. The primary duty of the Board is to protect the public through the regulation of the practice of naturopathic medicine. The Board Accomplishes Its Mission by administering and enforcing laws and rules relating to naturopathic physicians, receiving and responding to complaints, certifying physicians as specialists, certifying physicians who dispense, approves and certifies medical assistants, approves educational and training programs for physicians and interns.