Naturopathic Doctors Updated Drugs Inclusion List
Prescribing decisions require Naturopathic Doctors (ND) to consider multiple factors at once, including the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), CCHPBC Bylaws, Professional and Clinical Practice Standards, Complementary Health Professionals Regulation, BC Drug Schedules Regulation, and their own clinical competence.
To support safe and consistent decision-making, the College has developed guidance on Schedule 1 prescription drugs that are included in the scope of practice for NDs with certification in Prescriptive Authority.
The Schedule 1 Prescription Drug Inclusion List is intended to serve as a reference for NDs. Where a drug appears on the inclusion list, it indicates that the drug falls within naturopathic medicine scope of practice, provided all applicable standards, limits, and conditions are met. The inclusion list does not replace an ND’s clinical judgment or the requirements set out in legislation and the Professional and Clinical Practice Standards.
NDs are reminded that prescribing within scope must also be supported by individual professional competence. Authorization to prescribe a drug does not, on its own, mean it is appropriate to do so without the requisite knowledge, training, and clinical judgement.
The College encourages NDs to consult the Schedule 1 Prescription Drug Inclusion List in conjunction with applicable legislation and the Professional and Clinical Practice Standards as part of routine clinical decision-making. Together, these resources support safe, informed, and accountable prescribing in practice.
Below are the instructions to help NDs locate the guidance document.
- Log in to theLicensee Portal.
- Select “My groups” from the menu on the left-side
- Select “Naturopathic Doctors” from the list of groups
- Select “Guidance Prescription Drug Inclusion List” to view or download the PDF.
For more information on prescribing, compounding and dispensing, NDs can review the CCHPBC announcement “Understanding Drug Prescribing Scope for NDs: Practical Guidance for Your Practice”.
