Relating to the licensing and regulation of naturopathic physicians; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.

HB 3979 establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for naturopathic physicians in Texas by creating Chapter 207 in the Occupations Code. The bill requires naturopathic physicians to obtain an occupational license to practice, defines "naturopathic medicine" as a primary healthcare system using natural therapies, and specifies their scope of practice - including physical exams, diagnostic tests, and therapies like hydrotherapy or botanical treatments. It authorizes licensing fees, sets penalties for violations, and creates criminal offenses for unlicensed practice. This bill directly affects individuals seeking to legally practice naturopathic medicine in Texas, requiring them to meet new regulatory standards before providing care.