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.
Scope of Practice
Can Naturopathic Doctors prescribe controlled substances?
- Yes!
- NDs can also prescribe medications when necessary.
- NDs can acquire a DEA number and can prescribe all Schedule III, IV and V controlled substances.
- 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:
- Schedule I – These substances have no accepted medical use, are unsafe, and hold a high potential for abuse. Examples 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.
Can Naturopathic Doctors act as my Primary Care Physician?
- Yes!
- NDs can act as your PCP and are very effective at treating and managing primary care conditions such as colds/flu’s, high cholesterol and hypertension.
