Unlicensed Practice and Misrepresented Titles: What to Watch For and How to Check

Why titles need a second look

Information only; this page does not replace medical care. If symptoms are serious or getting worse, see a doctor first.

Words like "doctor", "naturopath" and "ND" do not mean the same thing everywhere. In the United States there is no standardized national system for credentialing complementary health practitioners, and state governments decide what credentials are needed to work in that state. [1] This page is not about whether any person is good or bad. It explains how to find out what a title legally means where you live, and what to do if it is used in a way the regulator says is not allowed.

Three kinds of practitioner, described by training and regulation

NCCIH describes three main groups in the United States. [2]

NCCIH also says that only 17 states and the District of Columbia license naturopathic physicians. [1] Check your own state, because laws change.

Two examples of how rules differ

California (US). The California Board of Naturopathic Medicine says you do not need a license to practice naturopathy and homeopathy there. [3] Unlicensed practitioners must say in their advertisements and on the client intake form that they provide unlicensed healing arts services, and must tell each client in writing, before treatment, that they are not licensed. [3] The Board also says unlicensed individuals may not diagnose a physical or mental condition. [3] The titles ND and naturopathic doctor require a license from the Board, and the Board says illegal use can bring a citation and fine. [3]

Ontario (Canada). The College of Naturopaths of Ontario says only individuals registered with the College can practise naturopathy in Ontario and use the title of naturopath, naturopathic doctor or ND. [4] It calls others who hold themselves out this way unauthorised practitioners and says they are practising illegally. [4]

These two places have different rules, which is the point: the same job title can be legal and regulated in one place and lightly regulated in another. We did not read the rules for other states or countries here. See credentials, licensing and scope of practice and naturopath, naturopathic doctor and other titles.

What to watch for

• A title that the local regulator reserves for licensed people, used without a license number you can look up. In California, for example, that includes ND and naturopathic doctor. [3]
• No written statement about license status where your jurisdiction requires one. [3]
• Diagnosis offered by someone whose jurisdiction does not allow it. [3]
• A diploma or certificate presented as if it were a license. NCCIH explains that governments grant and monitor licenses, while professional organizations certify practitioners. [1]
• Vague answers when you ask where they trained, which body accredited it, or who regulates them.

Being licensed or certified is also not always a guarantee of being qualified, and regulations, licenses or certificates do not guarantee safe, effective treatment from any provider, conventional or complementary. [1][2] A check of the credential is one step, not the whole decision.

How to check

1. Ask the practitioner what license, registration or certificate they hold, who issued it, and what it lets them do.
2. Look it up with the regulator in your state, province or country. Examples we read: California's Board offers a "Verify a License" link, [5] Washington's Department of Health has a provider credential search tool, [6] and the College of Naturopaths of Ontario has a Naturopath Search and an Unauthorised Practitioner Search. [7]
3. If you cannot find a regulator, NCCIH suggests asking your doctor, a nearby hospital or medical school, professional organizations, state regulatory agencies or licensing boards. [8]
4. Tell your regular doctor about every practitioner you see. [8]

For a step-by-step guide see how to verify a naturopathic or integrative practitioner credential.

If you think a title is being misused

Regulators accept reports. California's Board lists a complaint route for naturopathic doctors or unlicensed practitioners, [5] and the Ontario College asks people who know of someone holding out as a naturopath without registration to contact it. [4] More routes are on reporting complaints and adverse events.

Who should check first

Anyone with a serious illness, pregnancy, a child needing care, or several medicines should confirm credentials and talk with their doctor before starting care. See licensed and unlicensed practitioners compared.