Advocacy Areas
Scope Expansion
BCND actively advocates for the expansion of the ND scope of practice, aligning naturopathic care with the evolving needs of British Columbians. Expanded scope enables NDs to utilize their extensive training in areas such as primary care, prescribing authority, laboratory testing, and minor procedures. By broadening their scope, NDs can offer more comprehensive services, improve accessibility, and reduce pressures on the healthcare system.
Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA)
The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) marks a shift in healthcare regulation, emphasizing cultural safety and moving away from self-regulation. BCND is committed to ensuring that NDs have a voice in this regulatory evolution, advocating for ND representation on regulatory boards, committees, and in governance structures that affect naturopathic practice. We also work alongside other health professions through the Healthcare Associations of BC to address common challenges under the HPOA, including concerns about cost, privacy, and title protection.
Mental Health & Addictions
Mental health and addiction support are critical areas where NDs can play a significant role. With a holistic and patient-centered approach, naturopathic doctors provide care options for patients with mental health concerns, including complementary therapies for anxiety, depression, and addiction recovery. We advocate for greater recognition of NDs in mental health support, particularly as part of community-based and team-care approaches that prioritize accessible, non-judgmental care.
Third Party Insurance
BCND is committed to ensuring that NDs are recognized and fairly compensated within third-party insurance systems, including ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and extended health plans. As regulated healthcare providers, NDs play an essential role in patient recovery, chronic disease management, and overall wellness—and they deserve inclusion in publicly funded and private insurance frameworks.
Women’s Health
Naturopathic doctors are uniquely equipped to address women’s health issues, from hormonal health and menopause support to mental wellness and preventive care. BCND is working to highlight the role of NDs in women’s health, advocating for the integration of naturopathic services in women-focused healthcare programs. We also work to increase awareness of the naturopathic approach in supporting patients through all stages of life with a focus on holistic, individualized care.
MSP Premiums
BCND is focused on advocating for expanded MSP premium coverage for naturopathic services, which would help alleviate out-of-pocket expenses for patients and improve access to care. Enabling better coverage of naturopathic services within MSP would enhance healthcare accessibility for British Columbians seeking alternative and complementary treatment options, which can help to reduce strain on the conventional healthcare system.
Primary Care
British Columbia is facing an unprecedented primary care crisis. Despite significant government investment and initiatives aimed at increasing access, hundreds of thousands of British Columbians remain without a primary care provider. The system is under immense pressure—patients are waiting longer, travelling farther, and often struggling to access the timely care they need.
NDs are already providing primary care services to patients across BC. They deliver comprehensive, patient-centred care, including managing chronic diseases, conducting physical exams, prescribing medications, ordering diagnostic tests, and offering preventive health strategies. Many British Columbians rely on their naturopathic doctor as their first—and often only—point of contact for healthcare.
Lab Services
Access to laboratory services is an essential component of patient care, and British Columbia’s naturopathic doctors (NDs) play a vital role in ensuring their patients receive timely, appropriate diagnostic testing. However, the landscape of lab services in BC is complex, with NDs navigating unique challenges that impact their ability to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care.
Each advocacy area represents our commitment to a healthcare system that values patient choice, accessibility, and a comprehensive approach to wellness. BCND continues to work with government, healthcare stakeholders, and communities to promote these critical areas for the benefit of all British Columbians.
