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SB 470

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Antonio Hayes

SB 470 expands naturopathic doctors' permitted medical practices in Maryland while adjusting insurance and renewal requirements, raising patient safety and professional oversight concerns.

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 470

Legislative bill overview

SB 470 expands the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Maryland by modifying regulations under the State Board of Physicians. The bill appears to address renewal procedures and professional liability insurance requirements for naturopathic practitioners, potentially allowing them to perform additional medical functions or operate under less restrictive oversight.

Why is this important

Naturopathic medicine regulation directly affects patient safety and healthcare access in Maryland. The expansion of scope of practice could allow naturopathic doctors to treat more conditions or perform procedures currently restricted, while changes to liability insurance requirements affect how patients are protected if something goes wrong. This represents a shift in how alternative medicine practitioners are regulated relative to licensed physicians.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety and scope creep: Defining what naturopathic doctors can legally do without stepping into territory requiring full medical licensure; concerns about inadequate training for expanded procedures
  • Professional liability standards: Whether insurance requirements adequately protect patients, or if reduced liability requirements compromise accountability compared to licensed MDs
  • Turf wars and professional standards: Opposition from physician groups who argue naturopathic practice lacks equivalent scientific validation and training; questions about credential recognition and regulatory parity

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

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