Scope of Practice

Legal Aspect of a Naturopathic Practice

The legal aspects of practicing naturopathic medicine vary from state to state in the U.S. and from province to province in Canada. NDs in the state of Arizona benefit from a full scope of practice.

Can Naturopathic Doctors act as my Primary Care Physician?

• Yes!
• NDs can act as your primary care physician and are very effective at treating and managing primary care conditions such as colds, the flu, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

Can Naturopathic Doctors prescribe controlled substances?

• Yes!
• Naturopathic doctors can also prescribe medications when necessary.
• A naturopathic doctor can acquire a DEA number and can prescribe all Schedule III, IV and V controlled substances at their practice.
• What are Controlled Substances 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 included:
    • Schedule I – These substances have no accepted medical use, are unsafe and hold a high potential for abuse. Examples of a Schedule 1 substance include heroin, LSD, marijuana, peyote, and ecstasy.
    • Schedule II – These narcotics and stimulants have a high potential for abuse and engender severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include Dilaudid, methadone, Demerol, OxyContin, Percocet, morphine, opium, codeine, amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), and methamphetamine
    • Schedule III – These are substances that have less potential for abuse but can still lead to moderate or low physical dependence and high psychological dependence. They include Vicodin,  Tylenol/Codeine, Suboxone, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
    • Schedule IV – These substances have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, and include Xanax, Soma, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, Versed, Restoril, and Halcion.
    • Schedule V – These are primarily preparations that contain limited quantities of narcotics, including cough syrups that contain codeine.

 

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