Nova Scotia Licenses Naturopathic Doctors Amid Uncertain Scope of Practice
Nova Scotia regulates naturopathic doctors but scope of work still unclear

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Nova Scotia has officially regulated naturopathic doctors as of May 27, becoming the first province in Atlantic Canada to do so. However, the exact medical services these practitioners can provide remain undefined, pending further discussions.
- 01Naturopathic doctors in Nova Scotia are now regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act as of May 27.
- 02The province is the seventh in Canada to license naturopaths and the first in Atlantic Canada.
- 03Approximately 85 naturopathic doctors are now recognized and standardized in the province.
- 04Health Minister Michelle Thompson noted that the scope of practice for naturopaths is still being determined.
- 05Dr. Tara Lantz anticipates that future regulations may allow naturopaths to prescribe medication and make referrals.
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As of May 27, naturopathic doctors in Nova Scotia are officially regulated, marking the province as the first in Atlantic Canada to license this profession. This regulation, established under the Regulated Health Professions Act, aims to provide public protection and accountability for practitioners. Currently, there are about 85 licensed naturopathic doctors in the province, as stated by Dr. Tara Lantz, chair of the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors. While this move is seen as positive, the exact scope of services that these practitioners will be allowed to provide remains unclear. Health Minister Michelle Thompson emphasized the need for further evaluation to determine the appropriate scope of practice that fits local healthcare needs. Dr. Lantz expressed optimism, suggesting that once fully enacted, the regulations could lead to one of the most progressive scopes of practice in Canada, potentially including the ability to prescribe medications and make referrals. The provincial regulator has not yet commented on the matter, leaving many questions about the future of naturopathic practice in Nova Scotia unanswered.
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The regulation of naturopathic doctors aims to enhance public safety and accountability in healthcare.
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