IDAHO STATE BOARD OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Bureau of Occupational Licenses

1109 Main Street, Suite 220

Boise, ID 83702-5642 

Board Meeting Minutes of 10/29/2008

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:              Hon. Jack Barraclough

                                                            Dr. Brenda Grogan

                                                            Dr. Pamela Langenderfer (via telephone)

                                                            Dr. H. Dewain Lee

                                                            Dr. Jeremiah Stevens (via telephone)                                           

BUREAU STAFF:                                  Tana Cory, Bureau Chief

                                                            Cherie Simpson, Management Assistant

                                                            Carrie Gilstrap, Technical Records Specialist

OTHERS PRESENT:                              Kay Christensen, Deputy Attorney General

Kris Ellis, Garry Shohet, Harold Klassen, Joan Klassen, Karen Sassadeck, Sara Rodgers

The meeting was called to order at 9:05 AM MDT. Roll call established attendance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Dr. Grogan to approve the minutes of August 19, 2008. Seconded by Dr. Lee, motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

CONSIDERATION OF WRITTEN AND ORAL SUBMISSIONS REGARDING PROPOSED RULE DOCKET NUMBER 24-2401-0801 AND DECISION WITH RESPECT TO SAME PURSUANT TO IDAHO CODE SECTION 67-5226.

At the Chairman’s request, Ms Christensen compiled statistics from the 15 licensing states. She reported that all licensing states utilize the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and the N-PLEX as the examination. Three of those states require the US Department of Education certify educational institutions; and Washington identifies four institutions. No licenses are being issued in Florida at this time as its statute was repealed.

Each Board member acknowledged having received and reviewed all written comments as well as the transcript of the hearing that took place on October 15, 2008.  A letter from the Legislative Services Office, dated October 28, 2008, was read into the record and discussed.

For the record, it was noted that additional correspondence had been received after the comment period. Because the correspondence was sent after the deadline, the Board did not review the correspondence.

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BOARD COMMENTS

Chairman Barraclough stated in general there was support for the rules, but concern was expressed about the education and exam. He feels the rules are still deficient in some areas. He added that they are trying to have a one-size fits all license and they might not be able to resolve this without changing the statute.   

Dr. Langenderfer said she has concerns that there are no educational standards. The exam has also been a concern. She added that creating two licenses is unnecessary. Dr. Langenderfer stated she understands the concerns given in the testimony and feels they need to have standards in place.

Dr. Stevens thanked everyone for taking the time to submit comments and noted correspondence received from Dr. Joan Haynes which included a letter from the Governor. This letter stated there was concern over the educational standards. Dr. Stevens added the Board has not accommodated what these concerns were. He believes they need to find a way to recognize others and to not leave out the CNME and N-PLEX as these are existing standards with all other licensing states.  

Dr. Grogan expressed her appreciation for all the comments that were received and reported that she had researched other states’ laws and rules as well as the comments received. She added she agrees with people who want standards and wants what is best for the people of the state. Dr. Grogan stated she is leaning more towards dual licensure.

Dr. Lee stated the comments have stayed the same for the last three years and thinks the current rules are workable.

The Board discussed developing and administering its own examination.  Various recommendations were made, including the possibility of using questions from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the N-PLEX for the Board to create its own exam.  Several concerns were raised as to legality and the need for national standards, not just local ones.

DECISION REGARDING PROPOSED RULE

Dr. Stevens moved that the Board change the language in proposed rule number 125(a) to require an educational program accredited by the US Department of Education. Seconded by Dr. Langenderfer.

A substitute motion was made by Dr. Grogan to leave proposed rule 125(a) as it stands. Seconded by Dr. Lee. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the process by which to change the statute to include a grandfather clause.

Dr. Lee moved that proposed rule 301 be changed by replacing the reference to ”formulary council” with “Board.” Seconded by Dr. Grogan, motion carried.         

Chairman Barraclough expressed his thanks to everybody who has put effort into these rules. He stated these rules are a starting point and give the Board options on what they can do.

A motion was made by Dr. Lee to adopt the proposed rules, including the change to rule 301, as pending. Seconded by Dr. Grogan. Motion carried.    

A meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday December 3, 2008 at noon, to discuss possible legislation and future rule changes. The Board member’s comments should be submitted to the Bureau for circulation no later than November 14, 2008. These comments should include ideas to take to the Legislature or any input on law, rule, or exam changes to take to the Legislature in the future.

There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.