Michigan House Bill 5446 establishes a regulatory framework for licensure and professional practice of naturopathic doctors in Michigan by creating Part 186 of the Public Health Code. The bill defines naturopathic medicine as a system of practice based on natural healing capacity and sets education, examination, and licensing standards for practitioners. Naturopathic doctors would be authorized to order diagnostic tests, dispense certain medications excluding Schedule 1 and 2 controlled substances, perform minor office procedures, and provide health counseling, while being prohibited from performing surgery or using general anesthesia. The bill creates a nine-member Board of Naturopathic Medicine with representation from naturopathic doctors, physicians, pharmacists, and the public. Importantly, the bill does not mandate insurance or workers compensation coverage for naturopathic services, preserving patient choice in selecting and paying for these treatments.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA strongly supports this bill because it expands patient autonomy by creating a regulated pathway for individuals to choose naturopathic medicine as a healthcare option. The legislation advances health freedom by recognizing and legitimizing a distinct healing philosophy based on natural therapeutic approaches that many patients seek but have been forced underground due to lack of legal recognition. By establishing clear licensing standards and oversight, the bill protects patients while removing regulatory barriers that have prevented qualified naturopathic practitioners from openly serving Michigan residents. The bill respects individual choice by neither mandating nor restricting insurance coverage, allowing patients to make their own decisions about which practitioners and payment models suit their needs. This balanced approach demonstrates how thoughtful regulation can coexist with expanded access to innovative treatment modalities that conventional medicine alone does not provide.