WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3979

Relating to the licensing and regulation of naturopathic physicians; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Daniel Alders and 6 co-sponsors

Bill establishes state licensing system for naturopathic physicians in Texas with regulatory standards, fees, and criminal penalties for unlicensed practice.

Referred to Public Health
#courts--general(i0160) #grievanceprocedures(s0121) #governor(i0375) #medicalboard #texas(v0644) #medicine&prescriptiondrugs(s7338) #naturopathicmedicalboard(v35kc) #naturopathicphysicianslicensingact(pj3ep) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #physicians(s1282) #pregnancy&childbirth(s0294) #stateagencies #boards&commissions--newlyproposed(i0773)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3979

Legislative bill overview

HB 3979 would establish a state licensing system for naturopathic physicians in Texas, creating regulatory standards, licensing fees, and penalties for practicing without a license. The bill also establishes criminal offenses for violations of the licensing requirements.

Why is this important

Currently, naturopathic medicine operates in a largely unregulated space in Texas, meaning practitioners may lack standardized training or credentials. This bill would either legitimize naturopathic practice through regulation or restrict it depending on how licensing standards are defined—affecting both practitioners' ability to operate and consumers' access to these services.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice definition: The bill's success depends on clearly defining what naturopathic physicians can and cannot do, which is contentious given naturopathy's varied practices (herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition counseling, etc.)
  • Medical board jurisdiction: Questions remain about whether naturopaths would be regulated by existing medical boards or a separate body, and how this relates to preventing fraud or dangerous practices
  • Consumer protection vs. market access: Some argue licensing protects consumers from unqualified practitioners; others contend it creates unnecessary barriers to alternative medicine that people actively seek

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.