Naturopathic doctors in California can perform and order various physical and lab exams to help diagnose patients, like blood tests or X-rays. While they can order imaging studies such as ultrasounds, they must have a qualified health professional handle the study and interpret the results. They can prescribe natural and nonprescription remedies, conduct some types of physical therapies, and provide health education. These doctors can also remove small foreign objects from the skin and take care of minor cuts, but they can't perform stitches. They can administer treatments using multiple methods, including oral and intravenous routes, following certain guidelines. They must still meet any required licensing for lab tests.

This law allows a naturopathic doctor to supervise a licensed vocational nurse, but the doctor cannot ask the nurse to do anything that the doctor themselves is not legally allowed to do.

This law allows naturopathic assistants to perform certain tasks under the supervision of a licensed naturopathic doctor. They may administer certain types of injections and skin tests, draw blood, and provide other technical support services like administering medications in various ways, collecting samples, and assisting patients. The law requires that these tasks be performed with proper authorizations and that the assistants have appropriate training. Additionally, the law outlines a process for establishing standards for these services, involving input from various medical boards and associations.

This law section makes it clear that naturopathic assistants in California are not allowed to get licensed, administer local anesthetics, or perform tasks like diagnostics or treatment beyond their scope. They can’t do clinical lab tests unless specifically authorized by other laws. Furthermore, naturopathic assistants are not allowed to work in inpatient care within general acute care hospitals.

This law allows naturopathic doctors in California to provide or prescribe drugs if certain conditions are followed. First, they must work under standardized procedures or protocols created with their supervising physician. These procedures must outline who can prescribe, what drugs can be prescribed, and under what circumstances, including the level of supervision required. The supervising physician doesn't need to be physically present but must approve the procedures and be available by phone. Naturopathic doctors can prescribe certain controlled substances, but there are extra rules for Schedule III drugs. Additionally, naturopathic doctors must have completed training in pharmacology. Their prescribing authority is treated the same as if it were done by their supervising physician.

This law allows naturopathic doctors in California to prescribe and give certain treatments without needing another doctor's supervision. They can administer epinephrine for severe allergic reactions, use natural and synthetic hormones, and provide various nutritional substances like vitamins and amino acids. These treatments must be the same as those available over-the-counter.

This law section outlines the qualifications that a naturopathic doctor in California must meet to administer intravenous (IV) therapy. They need to have a valid naturopathic license and complete a specific IV therapy course approved by the board. This course must include at least 25 hours of instruction, covering key topics like evaluating lab results, IV fluid use, sterile techniques, vein selection, managing complications, emergency protocols, and pharmacology. The course must include practical experience and an exam with a passing score of at least 70%. Distance learning methods cannot be used to fulfill these requirements.

Naturopathic doctors in California must keep accurate patient records, including observations, diagnosis, and treatment summaries, for at least seven years after a patient is discharged. If the patient is a minor, the records must be kept until the minor turns 19, or for seven years after discharge, whichever is later. Additionally, naturopathic doctors have the same obligations as licensed physicians regarding public health duties, such as reporting diseases, controlling communicable diseases, and recording vital statistics, all in line with their education and training.

Naturopathic doctors in California have certain restrictions on what they can do. They cannot prescribe or give out controlled substances unless allowed by specific rules, use radiation or radioactive treatments, or perform treatments needing a different license. They're also not allowed to use general or spinal anesthesia, perform abortions, do surgery, or practice acupuncture or traditional Asian medicine unless they have a separate acupuncture license.

This law makes it clear that naturopathic doctors in California aren't allowed to practice medicine like medical doctors do, unless it's specifically allowed by this chapter.

This law clarifies that it doesn't restrict individuals who are licensed in the healing arts from practicing under their respective legal authorizations. Additionally, it ensures that activities not requiring a license, like certain naturopathic practices, are still allowed as long as they comply with specific state regulations.

This section outlines who can practice naturopathy in California without breaking the law. It allows people who are licensed or certified under other regulations to practice their profession, federal employees doing their jobs, and individuals providing care to family or during emergencies for free. It also permits those giving advice about or selling health-related products like vitamins and herbs to do so if they aren't otherwise prohibited by law. People practicing their religion without prescribing drugs can also provide health information. Those from other states consulting within California, and students working under supervision, are allowed, too. Unlicensed individuals can say they 'practice naturopathy' if they follow specific rules, but they can't call themselves 'naturopathic doctor' without an official license.

This section explains that people who are trained in naturopathy can use titles like "Naturopath," "Naturopathic practitioner," and "Traditional naturopathic practitioner." It also states that these people can receive education in these fields without needing a license under this specific chapter.