FAQs - Naturopathic Assistants
Can naturopathic assistants (NAs) start or disconnect IVs?
No. NAs may only administer medications via intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular [Business and Professions Code (BCP) section 3640.2 (a)] and orally, sublingually, topically, vaginally, or rectally [ BPC 3640.2 (c )].
Can naturopathic assistants administer medications or inject anything into the IV lines?
No. NAs may only administer medications via the routes of administration listed above.
Can naturopathic assistants inject antibiotics or vaccines if the naturopathic doctor has a supervising MD/DO?
Yes. NAs can inject medications. [BPC 3640.2 (a)] The ND must verify the medication and dosage, and the ND must be on the premises.
Can naturopathic assistants inject Botox or skin fillers if the naturopathic doctor has a supervising MD/DO?
No. NAs can only administer medication [BPC 3640.2 (a)] Botox and skin fillers are not medications.
Can NAs use lasers to remove hair, wrinkles, scars, moles, or other skin blemishes?
No.
Can NAs apply medications topically?
Yes. The supervising ND must verify the medication and dosage, and the ND must be on the premises.
Who is responsible for training NAs?
Training is solely the responsibility of Naturopathic Doctors. NAs must have a minimum number of hours of appropriate training, See the following link for specific training hour requirements and scope of practice here https://naturopathic.ca.gov/licensees/assistants.shtml.
Can NDs hire individuals who have been certified as a Medical Assistant (MA) to use as a NA?
Yes, but since NAs require knowledge of naturopathic treatments that MAs do not receive training in, the ND would still be required to ensure that the MA has training consistent with BPC 3640.2.
The ND should provide a certification for the NA, outlining the training provided to the NA. The certification should include:
- Outline of specific training, (i.e., 10 hours of training in administering injections and performing skin tests, emergency procedures, etc.)
- the dates of training,
- date training completed, and
- ND (Instructor) information, signature and date.