Naturopathic medicine is one of the oldest continuously licensed health care professions in the country. Its roots lie in German traditions of “Water Cure” or hydrotherapy from the mid-19th century. Naturopathic medicine expanded upon the water cure and herbal therapies and was developed into a comprehensive philosophy and system of health which came to the United States around the turn of the 20th century.
California became the 13th state to recognize naturopathic medicine and provide licensure to naturopathic doctors. The Act, which created the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine, was effective January 1, 2004. The first ND license was issued on January 14, 2005. The Naturopathic Medicine Committee was formed effective October 23, 2009, under the Osteopathic Medical Board of California (OMBC), however the programs remained autonomous from one another.
On January 1, 2023, the Committee became the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine and was removed from the OMBC and was placed as the newest board under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
There are currently 1,241 naturopathic doctors licensed by California.
Mission:
To protect California health care consumers and expand access to safe and effective primary care by licensing and regulating Naturopathic Doctors through vigorous enforcement of the Naturopathic Doctors Act
Vision:
Naturopathic physicians’ practice to the full extent of their training to provide collaborative and crucial health care services to California consumers.
Values:
- Consumer Protection
- Excellent Quality
- Transparency
- Integrity
- Access
- Collaboration
Visit the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine’s website at: https://www.naturopathic.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Twitter.
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