The province of Alberta regulates 29 health professions. Along with the other regulated health care professions in Alberta, naturopathic doctors are granted the privilege of self-regulation, as outlined in the Health Professions Act (HPA). Under the HPA, health professions are organized into regulatory bodies, called colleges.
The HPA requires that these regulatory colleges:
Set registration requirements (including required education, practical training, and examinations);
Set standards for professional practice;
Set continuing competency requirements; and,
Investigate complaints about regulated members and imposing disciplinary actions if required.
Under Schedule 14 of the HPA, naturopathic doctors are governed by the Naturopaths Profession Regulation. This is the guiding document by which the College regulates naturopathic doctors in Alberta, including registration, restricted activities and continuing competence.
The Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation is a new regulation that came into force on March 31, 2023. The HPRAR outlines the restricted activities that the regulated members of each health profession may perform within the practice of that profession.