00Enrolled SB 306                                                                                                         
01 Relating to the practice of naturopathic medicine; and providing for an effective date.                                 
02                           _______________                                                                               
03    * Section 1.  The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section                         
04 to read:                                                                                                                
05       LEGISLATIVE INTENT.  The legislature finds that naturopathic physicians provide a                                 
06 viable complement to medical care in the state.  It is the intent of the legislature to contribute                      
07 to a better understanding of issues related to the safety and scope of the practice of                                  
08 naturopathy through the establishment of a task force on the scope of naturopathic practice.                            
09    * Sec. 2.  The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to                         
10 read:                                                                                                                   
11       TASK FORCE ON NATUROPATHIC SCOPE OF PRACTICE.  (a)  There is                                                      
12 established in the legislative branch the Task Force on Naturopathic Scope of Practice to                               
13 address                                                                                                                 

01            (1)  the comparable level of education and training of naturopaths and medical                               
02 doctors;                                                                                                                
03            (2)  the appropriate scope of practice relating to the use of legend or                                      
04 prescription drugs by naturopaths;                                                                                      
05            (3)  the appropriate scope of practice for non-pharmacological treatments by                                 
06 naturopaths, including minor surgery;                                                                                   
07            (4)  the structure and operations of collaborative protocols and agreements;                                 
08            (5)  issues related to joint liability between collaborating practitioners; and                              
09            (6)  other issues determined to be relevant by members of the task force.                                    
10       (b)  The task force established under (a) of this section shall consist of nine voting                            
11 members. One member shall be a state senator appointed by the president of the senate, and                              
12 one member shall be a state representative appointed by the speaker of the house of                                     
13 representatives.  Seven members shall be appointed jointly by the president of the senate and                           
14 speaker of the house of representatives, as follows:                                                                    
15            (1)  one member who is a member of the Alaska State Medical Association;                                     
16            (2)  one member who is a member of the Alaska Pharmacist Association;                                        
17            (3)  one member of the Alaska State Medical Board;                                                           
18            (4)  one member representing nurse practitioners;                                                            
19            (5)  one member who is an employee of the Department of Community and                                        
20 Economic Development, division of occupational licensing;                                                               
21            (6)  two members who are licensed to practice naturopathy in the state.                                      
22       (c)  The task force established under (a) of this section                                                         
23            (1)  may begin work immediately upon the appointment of its full voting                                      
24 membership and shall meet at least three times telephonically or in person;                                             
25            (2)  shall hold public hearings and may perform research related to its work;                                
26            (3)  may meet during the interim and vote telephonically;                                                    
27            (4)  shall report its written findings and give a copy of proposed legislation and                           
28 other recommendations to the legislature before December 1, 2004; and                                                   
29            (5)  is terminated on February 1, 2005.                                                                      
30    * Sec. 3.  This Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c).