Scope of Practice

In California, Naturopathic Doctors are licensed to practice as independent doctors who are authorized to:
Diagnose, treat, and aid in prevention of diseases
Perform physical and laboratory exams
Order laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging
Prescribe and dispense all non-prescription items including herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and homeopathic remedies, and administer them
Prescribe natural and synthetic hormones, epinephrine, and medical devices (e.g., knee braces, barrier contraceptives etc.)
Furnish other prescription medications in collaboration with an M.D. or D.O.
(independent prescribing rights will be legislated in 2006)
Perform physical medicine modalities including hydrotherapy, massage, stretching, and electromagnetic therapy
perform limited minor surgery procedures