HOW NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE IS REGULATED IN MN & WI

Naturopathic Medicine in MN & WI

I hold a four-year doctorate in naturopathic medicine, am licensed in Wisconsin, and am registered in Minnesota. My recommendation to anyone seeking naturopathic medical advice is that you consider your potential naturopath's education and background. For instance, some current practicing "naturopaths" do not hold a four-year naturopathic medical doctorate degree. Some are self-trained through "experience", basic books, or online courses. There are others, however, that have formal training like me. This formal training involves a four-year education in a program accredited for Naturopathic Medicine. Courses include herbal and homeopathic medicine, counseling, clinical nutrition, and more. We spend two years in clinical training, working one-on-one with patients under the supervision of licensed doctors, to build hands-on experience. Training culminates in national board exams that enable those who pass to practice as a primary care provider. 

Minnesota

As of July of 2009, naturopaths who have completed extensive medical training and received a doctorate degree can become registered with the state of Minnesota as naturopathic doctors. However, an individual can practice medicine without a license in Minnesota.

This has both advantages and disadvantages:

• The advantage is that this system allows trained naturopathic doctors, like myself, to register with the state and practice under a registration number. It also allows other qualified health care providers, such as homeopathic doctors and massage therapists, to legally practice in Minnesota.

• The disadvantage is that it also allows individuals without the appropriate education to use the title 'naturopath'.

Naturopathic doctors registered with the state of Minnesota practice under Minnesota Statute 147E. Individuals without this level of training are not eligible to take national board exams and instead practice under Minnesota Statute 146A for complementary and alternative health care practices.

So when you are considering non-traditional medicine, please also compare the education and experience of each doctor you are considering. Look for someone who is registered as a naturopathic doctor with the state of Minnesota, like myself.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin naturopathic medicine is now regulated by the state under Wisconsin Statute 466. As of March 1, 2024, it is illegal to use the title "Naturopathic Doctor" or "ND" in Wisconsin without a state license — a significant step forward for patient protection. Before this law took effect, anyone in Wisconsin could call themselves a "naturopathic doctor," regardless of their training or education, and doing so without a license now can result in significant fines or other legal consequences.

To become licensed in Wisconsin, a naturopathic doctor must hold a doctoral degree from a naturopathic medical program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, along with meeting additional professional requirements set by the state's Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board.

I am proud to be a licensed naturopathic doctor in the state of Wisconsin, meeting these standards.

Choosing a Naturopathic Doctor in MN or WI

Whether you're in Minnesota or Wisconsin, it's worth confirming that any naturopathic provider you're considering holds genuine credentials — a real license or registration, not just the title.

Contact Me to Learn More

If you'd like to learn more, please schedule a complimentary Discovery Call today. I will answer your questions and would be happy to work with you to create a plan that helps you reach your optimal health.

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