Are we being served by the regulation of naturopaths? Not if patients are still being misled

The Globe and Mail - April 28

For years, naturopaths have lobbied to be recognized as regulated health professionals under provincial law. The argument in favour of regulation is that it gives the public more choice in the health-care system while ensuring all naturopaths adhere to professional standards. In some provinces, such as British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, those lobbying efforts have been successful. But how well is the public being served?

A good case study in how well the new regulatory system is working is in Ontario, which has one of the most comprehensive regulatory systems for naturopaths in Canada. Under provincial regulations, which came into force last July, naturopaths can treat most conditions under a very broad scope of practice. They are, however, required to adhere to advertising standards as well as professional rules that prohibit them from engaging in areas outside their expertise, such as vaccination.

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