An Act To Modernize The Formulary For Naturopathic Doctors

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marshall Archer and 6 co-sponsors

Modernizes the naturopathic formulary and expands prescriptive authority, with Board rulemaking oversight; emergency measure takes effect upon signature.

Signed by Governor

#healthcareservices #naturopathicdoctors #pharmacies

Purpose / Intent

The bill updates and modernizes the authorized formulary for licensed naturopathic doctors in Maine. According to legislative fiscal documents, the bill would expand prescriptive authority for naturopathic doctors and places responsibility for updating the formulary with the Board of Complementary Health Care Providers through rulemaking.

Key provisions (as reflected in legislative and fiscal documents)

Modernize the naturopathic doctors’ formulary — revises the list of drugs/protocols naturopathic doctors may prescribe or recommend (bill text not included in provided documents; specifics of drugs/classes are determined by rulemaking).

Expand prescriptive authority for naturopathic doctors — fiscal notes indicate the change rises to the level that a Sunrise review under Title 5, §12015 was required.

Directs the Board of Complementary Health Care Providers to participate in formulary rulemaking and oversight; establishes a formulary subcommittee (per fiscal note).

Implements the change as an emergency measure (the Legislature approved the bill by a two‑thirds vote), which generally makes the bill effective upon the Governor’s signature.

Who is affected

Naturopathic doctors: broader, modernized prescriptive authority and a revised formulary affecting clinical practice.

Board of Complementary Health Care Providers and the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation: responsible for rulemaking, oversight and any required Sunrise review.

Pharmacies and patients: pharmacies may be affected insofar as prescription patterns change; patients receiving naturopathic care could see changes in available prescriptions.

State government: limited administrative and rulemaking duties for affected boards/departments.

Fiscal impact / Budgetary notes

Preliminary fiscal note (approved 04/01/25) estimated a one‑time General Fund appropriation of $20,000 (FY 2025‑26) to cover the required Sunrise review under Title 5, §12015, plus ongoing Other Special Revenue Fund allocations of $1,000 per year beginning FY 2025‑26 for per diem/expenses of 2 board members participating in the formulary subcommittee.

Subsequent fiscal notes associated with committee amendment H‑178 and the engrossed bill (approved 04/23/25 and 05/21/25) state that additional rulemaking costs are minor and can be absorbed within existing departmental budgets; net statewide fiscal impact described as minimal (minor increase to Other Special Revenue Funds).

Legislative history / Timeline

Referred to committee: March 18, 2025; work session and committee action in April–May 2025.

Committee reported OTP‑AM (with amendment H‑178); amendment adopted.

Passed both chambers under emergency procedure (two‑thirds vote required) and ordered sent forthwith.

Signed by the Governor: May 30, 2025.

Note: The summary above is based on legislative actions and fiscal notes provided. Text of the enacted bill (detailed statutory changes, specific drugs/classes added to the formulary, and exact rulemaking instructions) was not included among the provided documents. For implementation details, consult the enacted bill text and subsequent rulemaking by the Board of Complementary Health Care Providers.

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