ARE NATUROPATHS LICENSED PHYSICIANS?
Yes. In the states that license and regulate naturopaths, we are primary care physicians. Categorically, this is the same designation of licensure as an M.D. However, there is a difference in our scope of practice. An M.D. has what is referred to as an unrestricted license whereas, naturopathic physicians have restricted licenses. What we can do, how we can do it, and what we can prescribe varies widely from state to state. Oregon has one of the widest scopes of practice for Naturopathic Physicians, and upholds the highest academic standard for it’s licensed physicians.
