Expert: Kay Larson - 11/1/2010

Question
Dear Kay,
 I am completing my Doctor of Naturopathy Degree now through the "Teach-Out Program.  I am an R.N.  I have been working in the field of Alternative Medicine in doctor's offices for many years.  I was hoping to complete my Degree and then work with some clients privately.  What can I do and not do legally with the Doctor of Naturopathy Degree from CCNH in the state of Maryland, Washington, D.C., or Virginia?  I live in Maryland.  Also, are there any licensing exams that I would be eligible to take with this degree that would enable me to provide services to clients in these states?
Sincerely,
Anna

Answer
Anna-You can practice as a Doctor of Naturopathy and call yourself such in Virginia and Maryland, as they are not licensing states for naturopathic physicians. You can also legally use the designation N.D. after your name in VA and MD. You cannot in the District of Columbia however, as that is a licensing state. But you could still call yourself a Traditional Naturopath in DC and just not use the ND designation. As an RN you do not need a license in any of these 3 states or any state to provide natural health counseling. The issue is calling yourself an ND in a licensing state or one that outlaws naturopathy altogether (such as SC and TN).
I suggest you get my book, The Handbook for Starting a Business as a Natural Health Practitioner: A Guide for the Professional. Available on Lulu.com, I go over this and many other legalities/issues in detail. Good luck!