Wisconsin Administrative Code Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board
📌 What the Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board Rules Are
The Wisconsin Administrative Code for the Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board consists of a set of administrative rules (usually titled Nat Med 1 through Nat Med 6) that the Board adopts under authority granted by Wisconsin statutes. These rules govern:
Definitions and authority
Scope of practice and professional standards
Licensure and renewal requirements
Continuing education
Unprofessional conduct and ethics
Regulations specific to limited-scope naturopathic practice
The rules implement statutory requirements and specify how they are applied for licensure, discipline, and practice.
📘 Summary of Each Chapter
Nat Med 1 — Authority & Definitions
This chapter:
Establishes the legal basis for the Board’s rulemaking authority.
Defines key terms used in the rule series, such as:
Board (the Naturopathic Medicine Examining Board)
Licensee (person holding a naturopathic license)
Naturopathic medicine
Limited-scope naturopathic doctor
Jurisprudence examination
Other terms essential for interpreting later rules
These definitions are used throughout the administrative code.
Nat Med 2 — Standards of Conduct and Scope of Practice
This chapter sets out:
Standards of professional conduct that naturopathic licensees must follow.
General scope of practice for naturopathic medicine, describing what naturopathic doctors may lawfully do under Wisconsin law.
Boundaries and expectations for professional practice (e.g., patient care, treatment decisions, recordkeeping requirements).
Nat Med 3 — Licensure Requirements and Renewal
This chapter explains:
Who is eligible for licensure as a naturopathic doctor or limited-scope naturopathic doctor.
Application requirements, including examination requirements.
How applicants must pass approved exams (such as national board exams and a state jurisprudence exam) to qualify.
Procedures and timelines for license renewal, renewal fees, and continuing competency verification.
Nat Med 4 — Continuing Education
This chapter governs continuing education (CE) and contains:
Requirements for how many CE hours are needed for each renewal cycle.
Standards for acceptable CE programs (e.g., accredited or recognized professional education).
Recordkeeping requirements for CE and how licensees must document compliance.
Conditions for waivers or exemptions from CE in rare circumstances.
Nat Med 5 — Unprofessional Conduct and Discipline
This chapter specifies:
A code of ethics for naturopathic practitioners.
What constitutes unprofessional conduct — behavior or practice that can lead to disciplinary action. Common examples include:
Fraud, deception, or misrepresentation in obtaining or maintaining a license
Providing treatment outside the scope of training
Abuse or exploitation of patients
Failure to maintain proper records
Practicing while impaired or failing to report impaired practitioners
Advertising violations or false statements
The potential consequences of unprofessional conduct (e.g., reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, fines).
Nat Med 6 — Limited-Scope Naturopathic Doctors
This chapter applies specifically to limited-scope naturopathic doctors, who are permitted to practice under a defined, narrower scope than fully licensed naturopathic doctors. It includes:
Definitions of what procedures or services limited-scope licensees may perform.
Requirements to petition the Board to expand scope if the practitioner seeks to do more.
Licensing procedures and renewal specifics for limited-scope practitioners.
Recordkeeping and operational standards tailored to limited-scope practice.
🧠 How These Rules Work Together
The administrative code functions as the detailed rulebook that:
Implements the statutory framework for naturopathic medicine in Wisconsin.
Ensures that applicants and licensees understand what is required to practice legally.
Provides clear standards for education, ethics, conduct, and enforcement.
Protects the public by setting enforceable standards and consequences.
🛠 Key Concepts You Should Know
Board Authority
The Board has authority under statute to adopt rules that guide how licensing and discipline are carried out.
Definitions Matter
Terms defined in Nat Med 1 are used throughout the administrative code to ensure consistency.
Licensing Tracks
There are at least two tracks: full naturopathic doctor and limited-scope naturopathic doctor, each with its own requirements.
Continuing Education
CE is required for license renewal to ensure continuing competency.
Professional Standards
Ethics and conduct standards are explicitly spelled out to guide professional behavior and protect patients.
Discipline System
The code explains what actions may result in discipline and the possible sanctions.
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