Title 5
Businesses and Professions

Chapter 36.1
License of Naturopathy Act of 2017

R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-36.1-18

§ 5-36.1-18. Informed consent and disclosure.

Prior to initiating treatment by a doctor of naturopathy each patient must read and sign a disclosure statement containing the following information:

(1) Rhode Island does not recognize doctors of naturopathy as primary-care providers and a doctor of naturopathy is not responsible for the overall medical care of any patient.

(2) Naturopathic care is intended only as an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, medical care from a physician, physician assistant (PA), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), and doctors of naturopathy shall coordinate patient care with physicians and other healthcare providers.

(3) Patients are urged to have a primary-care provider and to have all specialty care provided by a properly credentialed physician specialist.

(4) Doctors of naturopathy are not licensed to prescribe drugs or to advise patients regarding prescription drugs beyond possible dietary supplement/herb — prescription drug interactions. All questions regarding prescription medications should be directed to the prescriber or to the patient’s primary-care provider or licensed registered pharmacist.

History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 329, § 1.