HB 1591

Abstract

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987 to include naturopathic physicians. Provides for the licensure of naturopathic physicians by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that the Department may grant authority to treat human ailments with limited prescriptive authority or through the performance of minor office procedures to applicants who meet certain requirements. Replaces one public member of the Medical Disciplinary Board (now, 2 members of the Board shall be members of the public) with a physician licensed to practice in Illinois and possessing the degree of doctor of naturopathic medicine. Changes the number of members of the Medical Licensing Board from 7 to 8 and provides that one member of the Board shall be a reputable physician licensed to practice in Illinois and possessing the degree of naturopathic medicine. Sets forth minimum education standards for naturopathic licensure applicants for the practice of treating human ailments without the use of drugs and without operative surgery. Sets forth minimum education standards for applicants for authorization for treating human ailments with limited prescriptive authority and for treating human ailments through the performance of minor office procedures. Makes corresponding changes throughout the Act. Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to include a chiropractic or naturopathic physician with limited prescriptive authority, who issues a prescription for a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance in accordance with certain provisions of the Medical Practice Act of 1987, to the definition of "prescriber". Effective 6 months after becoming law.