Bill Description: Senate Bill 1128 imposes licensure on naturopathic practitioners.

Rating: -4

Does it increase barriers to entry into the market? Examples include occupational licensure, the minimum wage, and restrictions on home businesses. Conversely, does it remove barriers to entry into the market?

Senate Bill 1128 creates Chapter 59, Title 54, Idaho Code, to require the licensing of naturopathic practitioners.

Section 54-5906 says, "On and after July 1, 2021, it shall be unlawful for any person to practice naturopathic health care in Idaho, according to the full scope of practice set forth in section 54-5902(2) and (5), Idaho Code, without being licensed by the board."

(-1)

Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?

Sections 54-5903 and 54-5904 create "The Idaho board of naturopathic health care" and instructs it to, among other things, "determine the qualifications of persons applying for licensure pursuant to this chapter and define, by rule, the appropriate scope of practice that may be rendered to the public in this state."

(-1)

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?

Section 54-5904 says the "Idaho board of naturopathic health care" shall "collect fees and other funds as authorized by this chapter."

Section 54-5905 says, "All fees received under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid to the division of occupational and professional licenses and deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licenses fund, and all costs and expenses incurred under the provisions of this chapter shall be a charge against and paid from said fund."

(-1)

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for nonviolent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes?

Section 54-5909, titled "Violations" says, "No person shall ... practice naturopathic health care without a valid license, certification, or registration." 

It also says, "No person shall ... use any words, abbreviations, figures, letters, titles, signs, cards, or devices tending to imply that the person is a naturopathic practitioner, unless the person is licensed as a licensed naturopathic doctor or a licensed natural health provider under this chapter or holds a license in another state and is practicing as allowed by this chapter."

(-1)