01/19/2021
We are seeking your help and assistance. The Virginia Association of Naturopathic Physicians has been diligently moving SB 1218 and HB 2044 through the state legislature. We are reaching out to broaden awareness with as many VA residents as possible, and are asking you to share the following action alert encouraging FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COLLEAGUES WHO ARE VA RESIDENTS to make targeted contact to the subcommittee members in the next 48 hours, urging them to SUPPORT VA HB 2044.
We greatly appreciate you forwarding the following message (see below) by close of business 1/19 to your constituents on behalf of the AANP and VAANP. Again, noting we are sharing this message broadly - but only asking for Virginia residents to take action at this time.
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Friends,
Our ND licensure bill in the House, HB 2044, is likely to be heard this week in the HWI Health Professions subcommittee.
During the Senate hearing, opponents brazenly pushed the misinformed narrative about the qualifications, capabilities, and even purpose of medically trained NDs - as we knew they would. They are likely to do the same with the House companion bill - which is why we need ALL our advocates and supporters to make targeted contact to the subcommittee members QUICKLY, urging them to SUPPORT HB 2044.
These are the KEY MESSAGES that the subcommittee need to hear from advocates:
Naturopathic Doctors are medically trained and educated; they have the skills and qualifications necessary to have a practice license. Almost half the nation already regulates the profession - and ALL licensed states use the exact education and training requirements from our bill!
HB 2044 creates a very limited scope of practice; this legislation is focused on the very basics of health care. And nothing in our bill will harm lay naturopaths or their business - in fact, we put specific exemptions in HB 2044 at their request, and have worked with several different groups on these protections.
This is about public safety and expanding access to health care; Virginia should license NDs because it is the responsible and practical step to ensuring informed access to better naturopathic medical care.
Reasons why YOU as a Virginia citizen and/or professional personally support licensing Naturopathic Doctors!
Please take a few moments NOW to complete & send an advocate letter to the subcommittee members.
PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS THE ACTION. PLEASE CUSTOMIZE/PERSONALIZE THE LETTER BEFORE SENDING OFF TO ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS: https://naturopathic.org/general/custom.asp?page=LegislativeActionCenter #/96
THANK YOU for your continued support!
The VAANP