What are the Requirements for Becoming a Licensed ND in Idaho?

Ben Hicks
Apr 2
3 min read

Becoming a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in Idaho is more than just a career choice; it is a fulfilling path for those committed to promoting holistic health. This journey requires dedication, and the steps to become licensed ensure that candidates are well-prepared. Below, we will outline the essential requirements set forth by the Idaho Board of Naturopathic Health Care, from educational prerequisites to the application process.

Understanding Naturopathic Practice in Idaho

In Idaho, the practice of naturopathy is categorized into different roles, each with specific scopes of practice and regulatory requirements. It's important to distinguish between these roles to understand the pathway to becoming a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor (LND).

Naturopathic Doctor (ND): Individuals may refer to themselves as Naturopathic Doctors without formal licensure or registration. There are no mandated educational requirements, and such individuals do not possess prescriptive authority. Consequently, they are not regulated by any specific board1.
Registered Naturopath: This is a voluntary registration under the Idaho Board of Naturopathic Health Care. While there are no specified educational prerequisites, Registered Naturopaths must adhere to a defined scope of practice and lack prescriptive authority. They are regulated by the Board of Naturopathic Health Care1.
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor (LND): This licensure is intended for individuals who already hold certain medical licenses and wish to incorporate naturopathic practices into their scope. LNDs are regulated by the Board of Naturopathic Health Care and have specific educational and experiential requirements, as well as defined scopes of practice and limited prescriptive rights1.

Requirements for Becoming a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor (LND) in Idaho

To attain the LND designation, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

Existing Medical Licensure: Applicants must possess a current, valid, and unrestricted license in one of the following professions within any U.S. state, district, or territory2:
- Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy
- Podiatrist
- Dentist
- Chiropractor with an accredited doctoral degree in chiropractic medicine
- Nurse with training equivalent to an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and a doctoral degree in nursing
Educational Qualifications: Candidates must obtain a certificate indicating the satisfactory completion of a naturopathic doctor curriculum comprising at least 160 credit hours. This curriculum must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education2.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants should have no guilty pleas or convictions for crimes deemed relevant under Idaho Code Section 67-9411(1). If such a history exists, the applicant must demonstrate sufficient rehabilitation to warrant public trust2.
Experience or Examination: Candidates must fulfill one of the following2:
- Accumulate at least four years of acceptable experience practicing naturopathic health care in Idaho. Notably, practitioners with at least two years of such experience before July 1, 2024, meet this criterion.
- Pass an Idaho state examination that assesses minimum competency and skills, developed and approved by the Board in collaboration with the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board.
- Pass a national board examination approved by the Board that certifies the individual's competency and skills in naturopathic health care.

Scope of Practice and Prescriptive Authority

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors in Idaho have a defined scope of practice as outlined in Idaho Code Section 54-5906. While LNDs have non-prescriptive authority, they may obtain and administer, but not prescribe, legend drugs in accordance with their formulary, as determined by the formulary committee1. It's important to note that if an LND maintains their underlying medical license (e.g., as an MD), they retain the prescriptive authority associated with that license1.

Regulatory Oversight

The Idaho Board of Naturopathic Health Care is responsible for regulating Licensed Naturopathic Doctors. This Board ensures that LNDs adhere to the established standards and practices, maintaining the integrity and trust of the profession within the state1.

Conclusion

Embarking on the path to become a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Idaho involves a series of well-defined steps, emphasizing both educational attainment and professional experience. By meeting these requirements, practitioners not only enhance their professional credentials but also contribute to the advancement of holistic and integrative health care within the state.