BILL ANALYSIS SB 1246 Page 1 Date of Hearing: August 4, 2010 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair SB 1246 (Negrete McLeod) - As Amended: June 15, 2010 Policy Committee: Business & Professions Vote: 11-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: SUMMARY This bill authorizes naturopathic doctors to perform specified tests and to be designated as laboratory directors. This bill establishes parameters for the scope of practice for unlicensed naturopathic assistants to perform basic administrative, clerical, and simple routine medical services under the supervision of a licensed naturopathic doctor. FISCAL EFFECT Minor fee-supported (professional fees) workload to the extent the Naturopathic Committee within the Department of Consumer Affairs adopts regulations related to the scope of practice for naturopathic assistants established by this bill. COMMENTS 1)Rationale . This bill is sponsored by the California Naturopathic Doctors Association. This bill authorizes naturopathic doctors to perform Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived tests and establishes a scope of practice for naturopathic assistants to work under the supervision of a naturopathic doctor. 2)Lab Testing Background . CLIA refers to federal regulatory standards for clinical laboratory testing performed on humans. CLIA guidance ensures the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of patient test results regardless of where the test is performed. The CLIA-waived designation refers to lab tests that are extremely simple, very accurate, and low-risk, meaning if the test is performed incorrectly, no harm will SB 1246 Page 2 result. This bill allows naturopathic doctors to administer CLIA-waived tests. 3)Naturopathic practitioners focus on natural remedies and healing strategies. Statewide, 350 professionals are licensed as Naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic approaches favor a holistic approach and minimize the use of surgery and prescription drugs. These health professionals are authorized to order and perform physical and laboratory examinations for diagnostic purposes, including, but not limited to phlebotomy and clinical laboratory tests. They may also order diagnostic imaging studies, dispense, administer, order, or prescribe nutraceuticals, botanical medicines, homeopathic medicines, dietary supplements, non-prescription drugs, hot or cold hydrotherapy, health education and health counseling, and repair of superficial lacerations and abrasions. This bill establishes parameters for medical assistants to work with naturopathic practitioners. 4)Related Legislation . SB 907 (Burton), Chapter 485, Statutes 2003 established the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Consumer Affairs to administer the Naturopathic Doctors Act. Analysis Prepared by : Mary Ader / APPR. / (916) 319-2081