Scope of Practice for Naturopathic Doctors in Arizona
The legal scope of naturopathic medicine varies from state to state in the U.S. and from province to province in Canada. Naturopathic doctors in Arizona benefit from a full scope of practice, which means the physicians at Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ can serve as your primary care provider, order and interpret lab testing, and prescribe medications when needed, alongside natural therapies.
Request an AppointmentCan a Naturopathic Doctor Be My Primary Care Physician?
Yes. In Arizona, naturopathic doctors can act as your primary care physician and are very effective at treating and managing everyday primary care concerns. Our physicians regularly care for patients with colds, flu, and chronic infections, high cholesterol and hypertension, thyroid conditions, and many other common health issues. As your PCP, your ND also focuses on preventative medicine, helping you reduce risk factors before they become illness.
What Arizona Naturopathic Doctors Can Do
- Perform physical exams and diagnose acute and chronic conditions
- Order and interpret conventional and specialty laboratory testing and imaging
- Prescribe medications, including certain controlled substances
- Provide bioidentical hormone therapy and hormone pellet therapy
- Administer IV nutrient therapy and nutrient injections
- Use natural therapies such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture
Can Naturopathic Doctors Prescribe Controlled Substances?
Yes. Naturopathic doctors can prescribe medications when necessary. An Arizona naturopathic doctor can acquire a DEA number and prescribe all Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances at their practice.
What Are Controlled Substance Schedules?
The federal government defines a controlled substance as any of the substances listed in the schedules of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA). There are five categories:
- Schedule I: Substances with no accepted medical use, a lack of accepted safety, and a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD, marijuana (under federal law), peyote, and ecstasy.
- Schedule II: Narcotics and stimulants with a high potential for abuse that can cause severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include Dilaudid, methadone, Demerol, OxyContin, Percocet, morphine, opium, codeine, amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), and methamphetamine.
- Schedule III: Substances with less potential for abuse that can still lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence, such as Tylenol with codeine, Suboxone, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
- Schedule IV: Substances with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, including Xanax, Soma, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, Versed, Restoril, and Halcion.
- Schedule V: Primarily preparations containing limited quantities of narcotics, such as cough syrups that contain codeine.
Why Scope of Practice Matters for Your Care
A full scope of practice means you do not have to choose between natural medicine and conventional care. Your naturopathic doctor can combine the best of both, starting with the least invasive effective option and using prescriptions when they are the right tool. Learn more about our training on the About Naturopathic Medicine page, or meet our physicians.
Naturopathic Scope of Practice FAQs
Can a naturopathic doctor be my primary care provider in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona grants naturopathic doctors a full scope of practice, so they can serve as your primary care provider and manage conditions such as colds, flu, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
Can naturopathic doctors prescribe medication in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona naturopathic doctors can prescribe medications when necessary and, with a DEA number, can prescribe Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances.
Can naturopathic doctors order lab tests?
Yes. Our physicians order and interpret both conventional lab work and specialty functional testing to help uncover the root cause of your symptoms.
Does every state allow naturopathic doctors to practice the same way?
No. Scope of practice varies by state and province. Arizona is one of the states that allows naturopathic doctors a full scope of practice.
Can a naturopathic doctor prescribe hormone therapy?
Yes. Our physicians provide bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and hormone pellet therapy when appropriate.
What are Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances?
These are medications with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I and II drugs. Examples include Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids (Schedule III), Xanax and Valium (Schedule IV), and codeine-containing cough syrups (Schedule V).
Will my naturopathic doctor work with my other providers?
Yes. Our physicians are happy to coordinate care with your specialists and other healthcare providers to support your overall health.
Choose a Naturopathic Doctor as Your Primary Care Provider
Get comprehensive primary care that blends natural therapies with modern medicine. Call Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at (480) 588-6856 to schedule your consultation.
