Yellowknife — March 1, 2022
The Health and Social Services Professions Act came into force today with naturopathic practitioners the first profession regulated under the Act.
The Health and Social Services Professions Act ensures that only qualified professionals are licensed to practise in the NWT. Regulating professions will enhance public safety as practitioners will be required to meet the accepted standards to receive and maintain their license to practise in the territory.
This new legislation also establishes a regulatory body to oversee public concerns or complaints.
Under the new regulations, naturopathic practitioners must use one of the following titles and its associated abbreviation:
- Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.);
- Naturopathic Practitioner;
- Naturopathic Physician;
- Naturopath;
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.); or
- Doctor of Naturopathy
Naturopathic practitioners will have until September 1, 2022 to apply for licensing to either begin or continue to practise in the NWT. The six-month window gives them time to demonstrate they meet the regulation requirements.
The Department of Health and Social Services worked with the NWT Association of Naturopathic Doctors to develop the regulations.
Quote(s)
“This new legislation brings the NWT in line with best practices and established standards already in place in most Canadian jurisdictions. It also provides practitioners and patients with a clear understanding of what is required and expected of professionals.”
- Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services
Quick facts
- The Health and Social Services Professions Act enables the government to regulate numerous professions under a single law.
- Public consultation on proposed key elements for the Naturopathic Profession Regulation took place from July 29 to August 31, 2016. Public consultation on the proposed regulations took place from December 10, 2021 to January 10, 2022.
- A Naturopathic Profession Regulation Advisory Committee, that included representatives from the NWT Association of Naturopathic Doctors, the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta and the Department of Health and Social Services, was established to review proposed key elements, scope of practice, and standards of practice.
- This Health and Social Services Professions Act will enhance public safety, increase the level of professionalism and bring the NWT on par with other jurisdictions in Canada.
- The Health and Social Services Registrar of Professional Licensing regulates naturopathic practitioners.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Jeremy Bird
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034