2025 Legislative Update

Below is a summary of the two Kansas legislative bills related to naturopathic medicine in 2025, focusing on their content, intent, and legislative progress.

1. HB 2366 Expanding the scope of practice of naturopathic doctors, specifying continuing education requirements, increasing the required amount of professional liability insurance and modifying certain provisions relating to the licensure and regulations of naturopathic doctors

Summary:

  • Purpose: This bill seeks to expand the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Kansas, updating the Naturopathic Doctor Licensure Act to reflect modern training and capabilities. It aims to allow NDs to provide a broader range of services, including additional therapeutic procedures, while revising licensure and regulatory provisions.

  • Key Provisions (based on similar past bills and general intent):

    • Expands permissible activities for NDs, including limited prescriptive authority, advanced diagnostic testing, or minor procedures, aligning with their doctoral training.

    • Updates licensure (incluging malpractice and continuing education) requirements, streamlining renewals or disciplinary processes overseen by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

    • Clarifies the definitions of naturopathic medicine practice.

  • Intent: To enhance patient access to naturopathic care by allowing NDs to practice to the full extent of their education, particularly in underserved areas like rural Kansas, while ensuring regulatory oversight protects public safety.

Legislative Progress in 2025:

  • Status: Stalled in committee without hearing.

  • Available for action in 2026

2. HB2367: Adding NDs and LAcs to the Corporate Practice of Medicine Act

Summary:

  • Purpose: This bill amends Kansas law to permit naturopathic doctors (NDs) and licensed acupuncturists (LAcs) to engage in the corporate practice of medicine. The Corporate Practice of Medicine Act traditionally restricts non-medical providers from owning or operating medical practices to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure patient care prioritizes health over profit. This bill would allow NDs (and possibly LAcs) to form or participate in professional corporations or partnerships with other healthcare providers, expanding their ability to operate practices or collaborate in multidisciplinary settings.

  • Key Provisions:

    • Aims to modernize regulations, enabling NDs to integrate into broader healthcare systems, such as clinics or hospitals, as partners or owners.

    • Aims to enable NDs to hire MDs/DOs when needed for advisors or oversight for medical interventions (e.g. hiring a physician as a medical director)

  • Intent: To remove barriers for NDs (and possibly LAcs) in establishing or joining medical practices, enhancing access to naturopathic care in Kansas by allowing greater collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Legislative Progress in 2025:

  • Status: Stalled in committee without hearing.

  • Available for action in 2026