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HB 520

State Board of Physicians - Naturopathic Doctors - Scope of Practice, Renewals, and Professional Liability Insurance

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonnie Cullison

HB 520 establishes state licensing for naturopathic doctors under physician board oversight, mandating scope limits, renewals, and professional liability insurance in Maryland.

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 520

Legislative bill overview

HB 520 would establish regulatory oversight of naturopathic doctors in Maryland by creating a licensing and scope of practice framework under the State Board of Physicians. The bill appears to address professional standards, renewal requirements, and mandatory professional liability insurance for naturopathic practitioners.

Why is this important

Naturopathic medicine currently operates in a regulatory gray area in many states. This bill would legitimize the profession through formal licensing while creating consumer protections via insurance requirements and defined scope-of-practice boundaries, affecting both practitioners seeking credibility and patients seeking clarity on qualifications.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical legitimacy debate: Organized medicine may oppose expanding the Board of Physicians' authority to regulate naturopathy, arguing it lacks scientific evidence for many treatments
  • Scope of practice boundaries: Defining what naturopathic doctors can and cannot do will be contested—particularly around prescribing authority, diagnosis rights, and ability to treat serious conditions
  • Insurance and liability standards: Requirements for professional liability insurance could significantly increase practitioner costs, potentially limiting access to affordable naturopathic care

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

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