SB 1303 California Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Naturopathic Doctors Act.

Summary

Existing law, the Naturopathic Doctors Act, which is repealed on January 1, 2027, establishes the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine within the Department of Consumer Affairs to license and regulate naturopathic doctors. The act requires the board to consist of 9 members, appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, or the Senate Committee on Rules, as specified, and requires each member of the board be appointed to a 4-year term. This bill would instead repeal those provisions on January 1, 2031. The bill would specify that the 4-year term expires 4 years after the date of the appointment. To ensure staggered terms, the bill would require that specified members appointed by the Governor after the effective date of this bill be appointed for prescribed term lengths and thereafter would require all appointments be for four-year terms. The bill would also make nonsubstantive changes to the provisions specifying the appointment authorities for the board members. Existing law sets forth fees associated with the application and renewal of a license, including a renewal fee of $1,000 and authorizing an increase to not more than $1,200. This bill would, instead, specify that this fee range applies to the renewal of an active license and would require the renewal fee for an inactive license to be one-half of the current renewal fee for an active license. The bill would authorize the board to accept the voluntary cancellation of a naturopathic doctor's license, as prescribed, upon the written request of the licensee, provided that the cancellation is not in lieu of an administrative enforcement action. Existing law requires an applicant to have received a degree in naturopathic medicine from an approved naturopathic medical school, as specified. Existing law requires the board to approve a naturopathic medical school program that is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) or another federally recognized accrediting body if the program meets specified admission and program requirements. This bill would, instead, require the board to approve a program that is accredited by either the CNME or a substantially equivalent accreditor, or that is housed in an accredited institution and meets standards substantially equivalent to those required by CNME, if the program meets the above-described admission and program requirements and other specified requirements. Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, makes it a crime to practice or hold oneself out as practicing medicine, as specified, without having a certificate to do so. Under existing law, providing services other than those specified is not a violation of that crime if the person providing those services discloses that they are not a licensed physician, among other things, and obtains a written acknowledgment from the client before providing those services. The Naturopathic Doctors Act makes it a crime to claim to be a naturopathic doctor without a valid license under the act but does not restrict use of the title "naturopath." The Naturopathic Doctors Act also does not limit activity otherwise allowed by law, including the practice of naturopathy, and authorizes an unlicensed person who engages in specified activities to represent that they "practice naturopathy," if they comply with the above-described provisions of the Medical Practice Act. This bill would revise and recast those provisions. Specifically, the bill would make it a crime to practice or hold oneself out as practicing naturopathic medicine, as specified, without having a license to do so. The bill would specify that engaging in activity that is otherwise allowed by law or using the title "naturopath" is a not a violation of this crime if the person complies with the above-described provisions of the Medical Practice Act and discloses they are not a naturopathic doctor, as provided. By establishing a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, prohibits use of any fictitious, false, or assumed name by a physician and surgeon or any doctor of podiatric medicine, as specified, in any public communication, advertisement, sign, or announcement of a practice without a fictitious-name permit. Existing law requires the Medical Board of California or the Division of Licensing to issue a fictitious-name permit if the applicant for the permit satisfies certain conditions, including having a name that includes specified designations. This bill would prohibit the use of any fictitious, false, or assumed name by a naturopathic doctor, as specified, in any public communication, advertisement, sign, or announcement of a practice without a fictitious-name permit. The bill would require the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine to issue a fictitious-name permit if the applicant for the permit satisfies certain conditions. The bill would require the application fee for a fictitious name permit to be $100 and would require the renewal fee for a fictitious-name permit to be $50. The Naturopathic Doctors Act authorizes the board to grant a license to an applicant who meets specified requirements, but who graduated before 1986, and passed a state or Canadian Province naturopathic licensing examination, as specified. The act requires that applications under this provision be received no later than December 31, 2007. This bill would repeal those provisions. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Aug 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

Assembly Passage

Aug 2026

Governor

Introduced Feb 20, 2026 Last action Aug 30, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 5 comparisons

What changed between versions

08/20/26 - Amended Assembly → 08/26/26 - Amended Assembly · 5 edits · Aug 26, 2026

MODERATE

The August 26 amendment to SB 1303 makes several substantive changes to California's naturopathic medicine licensing framework. Most significantly, it removes the requirement that naturopathic medical education programs be accredited by CNME or an equivalent body as a threshold condition for board approval, instead making accreditation just one of several criteria. It also narrows protections for unlicensed persons who practice naturopathy by removing two provisions that previously allowed them to represent they 'practice naturopathy' and protected activities not requiring licensure.

Scope change

The bill's scope narrowed slightly regarding unlicensed naturopathic practice (removing two protections for unlicensed persons) while broadening the board's authority over education program approval by removing CNME accreditation as a threshold requirement.

ELIGIBILITY

Section 3623(a) no longer requires that a naturopathic medical education program be 'accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education or an equivalent federally recognized accrediting body' as a prerequisite for board approval. Accreditation is now listed as just one of six criteria (criterion 6) rather than a gateway requirement, broadening which programs the board can approve.

SCOPE

Section 3643.5 previously had subdivision (b) stating the chapter may not limit an activity that does not require licensure or is otherwise allowed by law, including the practice of naturopathy when performed consistent with Sections 2053.5 and 2053.6. This subdivision was removed, narrowing the protection for unlicensed naturopathic practice.

Section 3644(d) previously had subdivision (2) allowing an unlicensed person who sells natural products to represent that they 'practice naturopathy' if they comply with specified provisions of the Medical Practice Act. This was removed, eliminating that specific right for unlicensed persons.

TECHNICAL

Section 3640(f) removed the specific cross-reference to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1200) of the Health and Safety Code when stating that naturopathic doctors must still meet applicable licensure requirements for clinical laboratory tests.

FISCAL

The fiscal note changed 'State-mandated local program' from 'no' to 'yes,' acknowledging that the bill imposes a state-mandated local program with associated costs.

08/26/26 - Amended Assembly → SB1303 · 6 edits

MODERATE

The enrolled version of SB 1303 dropped several major provisions that were present in the Amended Assembly version, including the expanded scope of practice for naturopathic doctors (minor office procedures), new drug and device prescribing authority (including Schedule II controlled substances under physician supervision), recognition of ND prescriptions under the Health and Safety Code, inclusion of NDs in the workers' compensation definition of 'physician,' and authorization for NDs to sign disability certificates for special license plates. The enrolled bill retains board governance changes, education program approval standards, licensing fee structures, voluntary cancellation provisions, fictitious name permit requirements, unlicensed practice enforcement, and the extension of the act's sunset date from 2027 to 2031.

Scope change

The enrolled version is substantially narrower than the Amended Assembly version. It drops all provisions expanding naturopathic doctors' clinical authority (prescribing, scope of practice procedures) and their recognition in other regulatory contexts (workers' compensation, disability certification, prescription validity). The enrolled bill focuses on governance, education standards, licensing administration, and enforcement rather than expanding what NDs can actually do clinically.

SCOPE

Removed Section 3640 amendments that would have defined naturopathic doctors' scope of practice, including authorization for minor office procedures such as incision and drainage of abscesses, trephination of subungual hematomas, removal of foreign bodies, and biopsy of superficial tissue.

Removed Section 3640.5 (repealed and re-added) which would have authorized naturopathic doctors to independently furnish, order, or prescribe any drug or device except Schedule I controlled substances, and to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances under standardized procedures with a supervising physician and surgeon.

Removed the amendment to Health and Safety Code Section 11150 that would have recognized naturopathic doctor drug orders as valid prescriptions equivalent to those issued by physicians.

Removed the amendment to Vehicle Code Section 5007 that would have authorized naturopathic doctors to sign disability certificates for special license plates for disabled persons.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the amendment to Labor Code Section 3209.3 that would have included naturopathic doctors in the definition of 'physician' for workers' compensation purposes, allowing them to provide treatment and evaluation for work-related injuries.

TECHNICAL

Removed the repeal of Section 3640.7, which was a conforming change tied to the removed prescribing authority provisions.

04/28/26 - Amended Senate → 08/20/26 - Amended Assembly · 9 edits · Aug 20, 2026

MAJOR

The Assembly amendment substantially expands the scope of practice for California-licensed naturopathic doctors, adds a new criminal offense for unlicensed practice of naturopathic medicine, and extends the bill to three additional state codes (Health and Safety, Labor, and Vehicle). Most significantly, naturopathic doctors would gain authority to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances under physician supervision, perform minor office procedures including incision and drainage, order diagnostic imaging, and use intravenous and intramuscular routes of administration. The bill also creates an exclusionary drug formulary mechanism and defines naturopathic doctors as 'physicians' for workers' compensation purposes.

ENFORCEMENT

New Section 3660.5 creates a criminal offense (public offense punishable by up to $10,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment) for practicing or holding oneself out as practicing naturopathic medicine without a license. Includes exceptions for unlicensed persons who comply with Medical Practice Act disclosure requirements.

State-mandated local program designation changed from 'no' to 'yes' due to the new criminal offense in Section 3660.5.

SCOPE

Naturopathic doctors may now prescribe Schedule II controlled substances under standardized procedures and physician supervision (previously limited to Schedule III-V). Requires DEA registration and patient-specific authorization. Physical presence of supervising physician not required but telephonic/electronic availability is.

Section 3640 expanded to authorize naturopathic doctors to order diagnostic imaging studies (X-ray, ultrasound, mammogram, bone densitometry), perform minor office procedures including incision and drainage of abscesses, trephination of subungual hematomas, biopsy, and use of local anesthetic solutions. Routes of administration expanded to include intravenous and intramuscular.

Bill extended to Labor Code Section 3209.3 to define naturopathic doctors as 'physician' for workers' compensation purposes, and to Vehicle Code Section 5007 to allow naturopathic doctors to sign disability certificates for special license plates.

Old Section 3640.7 (which allowed independent prescribing of epinephrine for anaphylaxis, natural and synthetic hormones, and certain vitamins/minerals) is repealed and replaced by the broader new Section 3640.5 framework.

Section 3644 revised to clarify that unlicensed persons may represent they 'practice naturopathy' if they comply with Medical Practice Act disclosure provisions, but may not use the title 'naturopathic doctor' without a license.

REQUIREMENT

New exclusionary drug formulary mechanism: the board must adopt by regulation a list of drug classes naturopathic doctors cannot independently prescribe. Must at minimum exclude chemotherapeutic agents, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, immunosuppressants, antiarrhythmics and IV vasodilators/inotropes, and general anesthetics and neuromuscular blockers.

ELIGIBILITY

Education requirements (Section 3623) modified to accept programs accredited by CNME or a 'substantially equivalent' accreditor, or programs housed in an institution accredited by a federal agency that meet substantially equivalent standards. Added requirement that programs not be offered entirely or primarily online.

02/20/26 - Introduced → 04/15/26 - Amended Senate · 6 edits · Apr 15, 2026

MODERATE

The amended version significantly expands SB 1303 beyond its original narrow scope of clarifying board term language and repealing an expired licensing provision. The amendment extends the Naturopathic Doctors Act sunset from 2027 to 2031, adds a staggered board appointment system, creates a voluntary license cancellation process, establishes a fictitious-name permit regime for naturopathic doctors, and introduces new fee categories including a reduced renewal fee for inactive licenses.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded substantially. Originally it only clarified board term language and repealed an expired pre-1986 licensing provision. The amendment extends the act's sunset by four years, adds governance improvements (staggered terms), creates new administrative processes (voluntary cancellation, fictitious-name permits), and introduces new fee categories, making it a comprehensive update to the naturopathic medicine regulatory framework.

TIMELINE

The sunset date for the entire Naturopathic Doctors Act was extended from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2031, giving naturopathic doctors four additional years of regulatory authority before the act would expire.

REQUIREMENT

A new staggered term system was added for Governor-appointed board members: two members serve an initial 2-year term, two serve an initial 3-year term, three serve an initial 4-year term, and all subsequent appointments are for 4-year terms. This ensures the board does not turn over entirely at once.

A new voluntary license cancellation process was created (Section 3636.1). A naturopathic doctor may request written cancellation of their license, but it cannot be used to avoid an administrative enforcement action. Once canceled, the license is deemed surrendered and the person must reapply for a new license to practice again.

A fictitious-name permit system was established (Sections 3638 and 3661.5). Naturopathic doctors practicing under a name other than their own (as sole proprietors, partnerships, groups, or professional corporations) must obtain a permit from the board. Using such a name without a permit is now defined as unprofessional conduct. Exemptions exist for employees of permitted entities and staff of state-licensed clinics.

FISCAL

The fee structure was expanded: the existing $1,000 to $1,200 renewal fee is now explicitly tied to active licenses only, a new inactive license renewal fee is set at one-half of the active fee (approximately $500 to $600), and two new fees were added for fictitious-name permits ($100 application, $50 renewal).

SCOPE

The bill's scope expanded from amending only Section 3621 and repealing Section 3633.1 to also amending Sections 3680 and 3686 and adding three entirely new sections (3636.1, 3638, and 3661.5), transforming it from a minor cleanup bill into a broader regulatory framework update.

Floor votes · Senate May 27, 2026 · Assembly Aug 30, 2026

How they voted

39–0

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 40

May 27, 2026

D Democratic30

30 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican10

9 Yea 1

90% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Aug 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.

upper

Aug 30, 2026

Introduced

In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.

upper

Aug 30, 2026

Lower · Passed

Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.

lower

Aug 26, 2026

Lower · Passed

Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.

lower

Aug 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (August 25).

lower

Aug 24, 2026

Committee

Re-referred to Com. on B. & P. pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2.

lower

Aug 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Read third time and amended.

lower

Aug 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (August 13).

lower

Jun 30, 2026

Lower · Passed

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (June 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

lower

Jun 4, 2026

Committee

Referred to Com. on B. & P.

lower

May 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 39. Noes 0. Page 4494.) Ordered to the Assembly.

upper

May 14, 2026

Upper · Passed

From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 4272.) (May 14).

upper

Apr 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

upper

Apr 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 0. Page 3954.) (April 20).

upper

Apr 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on B. P. & E.D.

upper

Mar 4, 2026

Committee

Referred to Com. on B. P. & E.D.

upper

Feb 20, 2026

Introduced

Introduced. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors