Prescription Rights?

Question

What is the scope of practice of Naturopathic Doctors (ND)? I read that in some states they have prescription rights and can do injections and invasive procedures. Is this true?

Answer 1

probably, ive heard they can but dont know for sure. licensing of doctors is done at a state level so it varies state to state as to what they can and cant do. ive always thought it is kinda ironic though because there are only a couple prescription drugs that are truely natural.

Answer 2

Naturopaths are not allowed to prescribe actual pharmaceuticals, though many will prescribe homeopathic (ie placebo) as well as herbal treatments.  

Many of the things they advocate are invasive...such as colon therapy. While some of what they suggest (proper nutrition,exercise, relaxation) is just common sense advice,  they don`t have any proprietary rights to it.  Most of their philosophy is complete nonsense, has no basis in science, and is magical thinking.  Some of their cancer advice is actually dangerous.

http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRela...

Answer 3

The naturopathic philosophy is based on using natural therapies to stimulate the body's own healing response. In cases when drugs & major surgery are required, patients are referred to medical doctors. Patients undergoing surgery or on prescription medication can benefit from concurrent naturopathic treatment. In Canada, naturopaths registered in British Columbia are licensed to perform minor surgery. In the USA, naturopaths are able to prescribe some medication, such as antibiotics.