Licensing Naturopathic Doctors in
New York

By Doni Wilson, N.D., President NYANP

The effort to license naturopathic doctors in New York continues despite the fact that the 2006 legislative session is coming to a close at the end of June.

One of the main objectives of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP) is to pass legislation that will license naturopathic doctors to practice naturopathic medicine in New York.

The licensure effort has been ongoing since the mid 1990’s with much progress occurring in the past three years. In 2006 alone the NYANP was instrumental in accomplishing the following steps toward licensure:

1. Licensure bill passed out of the Senate higher education committee
2. Successful bill negotiations on many points
3. Attained 10 senate and 35 assembly bill sponsors
4. Garnered substantial support within the legislature as a result of lobby day, meetings and phone calls with legislators
5. Assembly committee began to review the bill

The bill has exceeded all expectations in terms of progress through the legislature this year. The NYANP will be able to build on that progress and continue this effort in the off-session and into 2007. The bill sponsors are committed to passing the bill at the earliest possible time.

What can you do to help?
Those of you who are NY residents, contact your legislators – by phone and written letter – let them know how much you appreciate their support this legislative session and that the licensure effort continues. We are going to need their support next year. You can also find out what you can do to support your legislator – attend an event, assist with their election campaign, etc.

Licensing a profession is extremely difficult and requires the assistance of many individuals as well as financial resources. The great progress in the NY licensure effort will continue in the next legislative session bringing even more possibility for success. The NYANP appreciates the naturopathic community for all the support given.

Please contact the NYANP with any questions or concerns at president@nyanp.org, contactus@nyanp.org or 800.846.6778. Visit www.nyanp.org for more information.