Naturopaths achieve official recognition

By Wendy Elliott

The Advertiser/NovaNewsNow.com

Naturopathic doctors are now legally recognized in Nova Scotia. This move will protect people in this province from untrained practitioners, says Dr. Jyl Bishop Veale of Wolfville.

The co-president of the provincial professional association, Bishop Veale says legislation proclaimed last month makes this the first province in Atlantic Canada and sixth in Canada to legislate the practice of naturopathic medicine.

The 13-year-old Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors has been pushing for such legislation almost since its inception in 1995. “This is a big hurdle… With respect to naturopathic medicine, Nova Scotia’s been a buyer-beware market for 30 years,” Bishop Veale said.

Until now, there had been nothing to prevent people with online diplomas from practicing naturopathic techniques or using the title “naturopathic doctor,” or ND.

The new law, which was unanimously approved by all three parties in the Legislature, requires naturopathic doctors in this province to hold a doctor of naturopathic medicine degree or diploma from a recognized school; complete a standard North American exam; be a member of the Nova Scotia and Canadian associations of naturopathic doctors; and carry malpractice insurance.

There are 28 members of the Nova Scotia association, but probably a similar number using the title “naturopathic doctor” without adequate qualifications, Bishop Veale estimates.

She said fully trained naturopaths follow an education program similar to that of physicians. Most have undergraduate degrees and then complete four-year programs at one of five accredited schools in North America. The early years include courses on anatomy, pathology and pharmacology. “We see everything from the common cold to cancer,” Dr. Bishop Veale said. A basic level of competency, she noted, means that patients can trust naturopaths to know what is a safe and natural treatment.

Naturopaths use techniques like botanical or herbal medicine, traditional Chinese methods like acupuncture, hydrotherapy and homeopathy.

Bishop Veale calls naturopathy both an art and a science because it blends modern scientific understanding with traditional methods for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Naturopathic services are not covered by MSI, but are covered by many private health plans. Legal recognition now means that the cost of naturopathic services can be claimed under the federal/provincial medical expense credit for income tax purposes.

Federal law has long permitted Canadians to claim services of naturopathic doctors on their income tax in provinces where naturopathic medicine is regulated. Nova Scotians can now access this benefit, which already exists in five other provinces.

Bishop Veale said that Finance Minister Michael Baker, from his protfolio and a cancer survivor, could see the benefits. According to the Fraser Institute, 63 per cent of Atlantic Canadians indicate they are likely to seek alternative medical care in the future.

Dr. Lois Hare was the first naturopath in the Valley. She opened her office in Berwick in 1987. Bishop Veale said seven naturopaths are currently practicing in the Valley between Windsor and Kingston.

For more information on naturopathic medicine in Nova Scotia, visit nsand.ca.