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
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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