Authorization to use titles
The Health Professions Act and the Naturopaths Profession Regulation authorize regulated members registered on the CNDA General Register to use the following titles, abbreviations, and initials:
Naturopathic Doctor
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Practitioner
Naturopath
ND
R.N.D.
Doctor and Dr. in connection with providing a health service within the practice of naturopathic medicine
A regulated member registered on the CNDA Provisional Register may use the the following titles:
Naturopath
Provisional Naturopath
Unregulated practitioners
The protected titles granted to a profession in legislation indicate to the public that the health care provider is regulated by, and accountable to the College to practice in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice set out for the profession.
At times, an unregistered individual may use these titles without authorization. As Naturopathic Doctors are required by provincial legislation to register with the College prior to offering naturopathic services to the Alberta public, an unregulated person is unlikely to have the appropriate qualifications and minimum educational requirements for the profession. A service provided by an unregistered practitioner is not eligible for insurance benefits for naturopathic services.
When the CNDA becomes aware of an unregulated practitioner using protected titles without authorization the College will investigate if the person is holding themselves out to be a naturopathic doctor or practicing illegally. The College may issue a Cease and Desist letter, a demand for registration, or seek an injunction against the person. Depending on the circumstances the College may commence legal proceedings.
other titles and designations (unregulated)
Some unregistered practitioners will use titles and designations that are not included in the authorized titles that are governed by Alberta legislation. The CNDA does not have the authority to prevent these titles from being used. The public should be aware that these titles are not subject to any regulatory oversight and they do not identify someone as a Naturopathic Doctor.
Individuals who are not Naturopathic Doctors and who are not a regulated health care professional commonly use the following titles and abbreviations:
Doctor of Natural Medicine
D.N.M.
Holistic Health Practitioner or Doctor
Natural Health Practitioner
Traditional Natural Medicine Practitioner
Traditional Naturopath
Naturopathy or Naturotherapy Practitioner
Doctorate Natural Medicine
NMDoc
RNP
organizations that are not accredited
Some organizations that are not recognized as either an accredited naturopathic educational medical institution or as a licensing body will offer certifications or memberships that can be confusing for both practitioners and the public. These organizations do not have the legal authority to grant a license to practice as a Naturopathic Doctor. These organizations offer members the opportunity to use some of the titles and abbreviations listed above. It is important to be aware that these organizations are not provincially or nationally regulated for educating or licensing Naturopathic Doctors. Examples of such organizations are:
American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners
American Naturopathic Medical Association
Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners
National Association of Naturopaths
Natural Health Practitoners of Canada
Quantum University
Scholistico
Trinity School of Natural Health
why is this a concern?
It is not the intention of the CNDA to restrict such practitioners from providing services for which they have training and are competent and qualified to perform, or to detract the public from accessing such services. The CNDA aims to educate the Alberta public on the difference between such practitioners and regulated Naturopathic Doctors.
It is not uncommon for a patient to be under the impression that they have had an appointment with an ND, only to find out after the fact that their insurance will not cover the services because the person is not appropriately registered.
A patient may wish to file a complaint about unprofessional conduct, only to discover that their provider is not actually an ND, and thus not subject to any disciplinary proceedings.
A regulated ND will have met entry level requirements including graduating from an accredited Naturopathic Medical School and passing standardized examinations that include licensing exams, practical exams, and jurisprudence exams. Regulated NDs are subject to ongoing continuing competence requirements, must maintain malpractice insurance specific to the profession, and are responsible for providing safe, ethical and competent care that meets the minimum standards. The College administrates a professional conduct process that provides Albertans peace of mind that their ND is held accountable for their practice.
verify a registered naturopathic doctor
The public is encouraged to verify that an individual is registered by using the Public Register or by contacting the CNDA.