Rep. Hennessy Introduces New Legislation to Expand Health Care

From CT House: State Representative Jack Hennessy (D- Bridgeport) has introduced legislation that would expand Connecticut’s primary care options and reduce health care costs.

The proposed legislation seeks to allow naturopathic physicians to write prescriptions for their patients and directs the Department of Public Health to determine the prescription drugs naturopathic physicians can prescribe. Under Connecticut law, Naturopathic physicians are prohibited from doing this despite having the same extensive training in biomedical science and pharmacology as physicians holding a Medical Doctorate.

“This outdated policy forces patients to make separate medical appointments with other physicians or Advanced Practical Registered Nurses and adds unnecessary medical costs,” said Rep. Hennessy. “Naturopathic physicians will be allowed to meet all of their patients’ medical needs, and will allow graduates of the University of Bridgeport’s School of Naturopathic Medicine to stay in state.”

Due to the restriction, numerous graduates move to other states to perform their full scope of practice.

In 2014, the state passed legislation modernizing the scope of practice Connecticut naturopathic physicians so they may formally diagnose and treat disease, order laboratory testing, perform phlebotomy and other office procedures, and provide counseling, among others.

The University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education to offer a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree.

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