Wash. Rev. Code » Title 18 · Chapter 18.36A
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 18.36A.040 (2026)

Scope of practice

✓ current as of May 2026
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Naturopathic medicine is the practice by naturopaths of the art and science of the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders of the body by stimulation or support, or both, of the natural processes of the human body. A naturopath is responsible and accountable to the consumer for the quality of naturopathic care rendered.
The practice of naturopathic medicine includes manual manipulation (mechanotherapy), the prescription, administration, dispensing, and use, except for the treatment of malignancies, of nutrition and food science, physical modalities, minor office procedures, homeopathy, naturopathic medicines, hygiene and immunization, contraceptive devices, common diagnostic procedures, and suggestion; however, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit consultation and treatment of a patient in concert with a practitioner licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW. No person licensed under this chapter may employ the term "chiropractic" to describe any services provided by a naturopath under this chapter.
[ 2011 c 40 s 2; 2005 c 158 s 2; 1991 c 3 s 89; 1988 c 246 s 1; 1987 c 447 s 3.]

Notes:

Education and training requirements—2005 c 158: See note following RCW 18.36A.020.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 2006–2018 · leading case: State v. Pac. Health Ctr., Inc., 143 P.3d 618 (Wash. Ct. App. 2006).
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State v. Pac. Health Ctr., Inc., 143 P.3d 618 (Wash. Ct. App. 2006). · cites it 2× “Because they do more than simply recommend homeopathics or render nutritional advice, PHC employees practice naturopathy under RCW 18.36A.040. C. Acupuncture ¶ 27 The legislature defines "acupuncture" as a "health care service based on an Oriental system of medical theory…”
State v. Pac. Health Ctr., Inc., 135 Wash. App. 149 (Wash. Ct. App. 2006). · cites it 2× “Because they do more than simply recommend homeopathics or render nutritional advice, PHC employees practice naturopathy under RCW 18.36A.040. C. Acupuncture ¶27 The legislature defines “acupuncture” as a “health care service based on an Oriental system of medical theory…”
Green Collar Club v. State, 413 P.3d 1083 (Wash. Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 2× “7 RCW 18.36A.040, .020(10). Under the statutes defining "naturopathic medicine" and the naturopathic scope of practice, schedule I drugs are not included in the enumerated treatments that naturopaths can utilize.”
Rainier Xpress v. State Of Washington, Dep't Of Revenue (Wash. Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 2× “7 RCW 18.36A.040, .020(10). Under the statutes defining “naturopathic medicine” and the naturopathic scope of practice, schedule I drugs are not included in the enumerated treatments that naturopaths can utilize.”
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