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Bill

HB 867

State Board of Physicians - Naturopathic Doctors - Prescriptive Authority and Administration of Medication

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bonnie Cullison

HB 867 would allow Maryland naturopathic doctors to prescribe medications and administer drugs under physician board oversight, expanding their clinical authority.

Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 867

Legislative bill overview

HB 867 would grant naturopathic doctors in Maryland prescriptive authority and the ability to administer medications under oversight of the State Board of Physicians. This would represent a significant expansion of scope of practice for naturopathic practitioners, potentially allowing them to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs and other medical substances within defined parameters.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects healthcare delivery and patient safety by determining what types of medical practitioners can prescribe drugs. It also impacts healthcare access—expanding prescriptive authority could increase availability of practitioners in underserved areas, but may affect quality and consistency of care depending on naturopathic training standards and oversight mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory and safety concerns: Naturopathic doctors typically receive different training than MDs/DOs; opponents may worry about patient safety and medication interactions without equivalent medical education
  • Scope of practice definition: The bill's specific limitations on what naturopathic doctors can prescribe and under what conditions remain unclear and could be contentious among medical boards and professional associations
  • Competitive and professional tensions: Licensed physicians and pharmacists may oppose expanded naturopathic authority as both a competitive and patient safety issue

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

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