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.