What In The World Is Proclamation?

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) have been a regulated health profession in Ontario under the Drugless Practitioners Act (DPA) since 1925 by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy (BDDT-N).  On July 1 2015, all of that changed with the proclamation of the Naturopathic Act 2007 under the Regulated Health Professions Act 1991 (RHPA), alongside 25 other health care professions such as physicians, pharmacists, dentists and chiropractors.  NDs are now regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO).

The RHPA protects the public with clear definitions of safety standards that regulated health professionals must abide by.  So, this is great news for NDs because it means that the Ontario Government recognizes that NDs are educated, trained and knowledgeable in treating the public safely and effectively.

What Does This Mean for Our Patients?

July 1 2015 was an exciting day because it meant that with the new regulations under the RHPA, Naturopathic patients are able to get better care via improved integration with other health professionals.

What Changed After July 1 2015?

In general, NDs have maintained the same scope of practice BUT there are a few key changes that I wanted to share with you:

Prescribing Rights

NDs will have access to some previously restricted drugs and substances.  However, they do have to complete a comprehensive Therapeutic Prescribing course and write an additional board examination before they can do so.

The good news is that successfully completed and passed her board exam in June 2015!

Laboratory Testing

Previously, ND access to lab testing was via an MD liaison.  Now, NDs have direct access to 194 lab tests (blood, saliva, hair, breath, urine, stool and tissue/discharge) and 16 in-office tests. Lab tests performed via an ND continue to not be covered by OHIP and are paid for privately by the patient.

Unfortunately, NDs can no longer draw blood samples in office.  Instead, patients will be referred to an Ontario lab facility for blood draws for most tests.

Intravenous (IV) Therapy

NDs who offer IV therapy in their practices must first complete the Therapeutic Prescribing course and board examination before they can continue to compound the IV bags in their clinics.  This allows your ND to customize your IV bag to your specific needs.

Will Anything Change in the Future?

The Ontario Ministry of Health and the OAND (Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors) are working together in order to try to advance NDs’ current access to additional laboratory testing and restricted drugs and substances.  We will notify our patients on an ongoing basis as new developments come to fruition.

In the meantime, I’d like to thank all of our colleagues and patients who took the time to sign our petition and/or write their MPP during the spring and summer months with your support!

If you’d like to sit down with me to discuss how I can help you achieve your health goals, CONTACT ME HERE to set up your complimentary 15 min discovery call/meeting and we can get started.

What’s a discovery call/meeting?  It’s where we get to know each other better to ensure that I’m the right practitioner for you and that you have the opportunity to ask your questions about Naturopathic Medicine before we move forward with an initial Naturopathic consultation.

Here are a few more posts on healthy habits that you might also be interested in:

• Diet & Meal Plans
• Berries and Cognitive Function
• What’s In Your Tea?
• Sugar – Is It As Bad As Everyone Says?
• Sugar Goes By Other Aliases …
• The Benefits of Having Pets Growing Up
• The Benefits of Living a Healthy Lifestyle on Longevity
• High Intensity Circuit Training (HICT)

#drmoirakwokND #healthyliving #cleaneating #healthylifestyle #wellness #motivation #healthyeating #inspiration #selfcare #selflove #youarewhatyoueat #healthyinspiration #healthjourney