A regulation under the Health Professions Act was established in 2012, to regulate the industry of Naturopathy.
This gave the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta the power to determine rules and limitations of what a Naturopath can and can’t do in Alberta.
Can a Naturopath prescribe medication in Alberta?
No, a Naturopathic Doctor can not prescribe medications and drugs in Alberta.
They are also not permitted to order ultrasounds and x-rays, and not allowed to administer intravenous nutrition.
What Can Naturopaths Do in Alberta?
Naturopathic Doctors in Alberta, regulated by the Health Professions Act (HPA), can perform the following services and treatments:
- injections;
- minor surgeries, such as removing warts and moles, obtaining skin samples for biopsies and doing sutures;
- ear examinations, cerumen management, nasal lavage and placing herbs in nasal passages; and
- with additional training approved by the College, alternative medical treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, and intravenous administration of ozone, chelation therapy or supplemental vitamins and minerals.
It should be noted that not all Naturopaths are equal in competency and education level. When reading this list of services, be aware that this does not mean every single naturopath can do them.
The regulations on what a Naturopath can and can’t do will vary from each individual Naturopathic Doctor or student.
Read the Actual NATUROPATHS PROFESSION REGULATION here.
In Summary
- A Naturopathic Doctor can not prescribe medicines and drugs like a medical doctor or pharmacist.
- The industry of Naturopathy became regulated in 2012, outlining restrictions and limitations on what a naturopath can and can not do.
- Many of the services and treatments that can be done by a naturopath are only allowed to be performed by certain individuals with the proper training and competency level.
