FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 35

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2501L.01IWhereas, on June 12, 2006, the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education acknowledged that the John Thomas College of Naturopathic Medicine in the State of Missouri met or exceeded the standards required by statutes, rules, and regulations to provide degrees to successful candidates for instruction in naturopathic medicine; and

            Whereas, the educational standards for practicing doctors of Naturopathy should require that such doctors:

            (1) Have graduated from institutions accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, its successor or equivalent, located at an institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; and

            (2) Have successfully completed and passed a nationally recognized examination; and

            Whereas, establishing uniform education standards and accountability throughout Missouri in curriculum and clinical training for naturopathic physicians protects the public health and welfare; and

            Whereas, the State of Missouri needs naturopaths to be trained in the medical sciences, including but not limited to anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pathology, physiology, physical and clinical diagnosis and treatment, lab diagnosis, diagnostic imaging and natural therapeutics; and

            Whereas, such complementary health care engages the treatment of disease with respect to modalities including nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physical manipulation, and preventative care; and

            Whereas, significant health benefits and cost savings to the State of Missouri will result from identifying and implementing such a system of health care; and

            Whereas, the lack of health care availability in the State of Missouri in unserved or under served areas compromises individual and state solvency, including depleting limited Medicaid resources; and

            Whereas, informing the public as to the benefits of preventative health care options is in the best interest of both the patient and the public:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fourth General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby recognize and applaud the John Thomas College of Naturopathic Medicine as a school authorized to educate individuals in naturopathic medicine; and

            Be it further resolved that the General Assembly recognizes and applauds graduates who received the degree of doctor of naturopathy from the John Thomas College of Naturopathic Medicine and who have successfully passed the naturopathic physicians licensing exam; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for the Governor Matt Blunt.

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