California Senate Bill 1303 was introduced in February, but continues to receive readings and amendments, and the most recent amendment would allow naturopathic doctors to treat injured workers.

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), naturopathic doctors are educated on the basic sciences and complementary and alternative treatment modalities. While traditional naturopathy avoided drugs and surgery, contemporary naturopathy attempts to incorporate elements of conventional medicine. However, the AMA claims that the most highly educated naturopaths get only a fraction of the training that physicians receive.

The bill specifically applies to naturopathic doctors, who do go through four-year programs at accredited schools. Bill text specifies the required credentials to be considered a naturopathic doctor that could treat injured workers.

The bill would allow naturopathic doctors to prescribe medications and devices but require physician supervision for Schedule II controlled substances. Additionally, naturopathic doctors would be allowed to perform minor office procedures, such as the treatment of lacerations, incisions, the treatment of abscesses, and superficial biopsies.