MEMBERS ONLY SECTION

 

License Procedure

Contact:
State of Hawaii
Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
Board of Naturopathic Examiners
335 Merchant St., Honolulu HI 96813

Attn: Candace Ito

 

  1. Request Application
  2. Return Completed Application with:
    1. $285.00 Application fee (The fee is $285.00 in even numbered years, and $130.00 in odd numbered years)
    2. NPLEX Scores - Part One, Part Two, and Homeopathy
    3. Transcripts from a naturopathic college accredited by a federally recognized accrediting agency

   When all of the above are complete, the application is APPROVED by the executive officer of the Naturopathic Board of Examiners (not the DCCA), and the applicant is notified that their license is approved. They can use this to begin practice. At the next Naturopathic board meeting (they are every 3 months), the License Certificate is signed by the Board Chairperson, and it is then sent out to the new licensee.

Contact Number: 1 (808) 586-2704

 

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Aloha.  E komo mai.  Hello, and welcome.  The Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians welcomes interested NDs to join us in Hawaii.  Here are answers to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) we receive from those inquiring about the possibility 
of coming to the islands:

FAQ's

1. What language do you speak there?

Mostly English. However, if you don't quite recognize it as English, you're probably hearing pidgin, like the title of this Welcome letter, the local island, which leaves out a few words and has its own unique intonation.

2.  What's the weather like?

It's paradise! The weather is wonderful... just remember not to expect snow on Christmas!

3.  Is there room for more NDs in Hawaii?

There are approximately 50-60 NDs actively practicing in Hawaii.  Nowhere in Hawaii is there a saturation of NDs.  Also nowhere is there a sizeable community that is not served by NDs, with the possible exception of the island of Molokai.

4.  What is the scope of practice for NDs in Hawaii?

Fairly broad. We are llicensed as primary care physicians. Natural childbirth and home birthing has been practiced by NDs for many years although there is no specific mention of it in our law. At present we do not have a formulary for prescription drugs.

5.  Are NDs covered by insurance in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, a Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan called HMSA has a virtual monopoly on health care coverage.  NDs are not covered in their plans.  Kaiser is the second biggest carrier, and NDs are 
not covered in their plans either. Licensed acupuncturists who are credentialized can be providers for HMSA and /or Kaiser, although it is a discount program.  Two smaller companies, HMAA, reimburse modestly for visits to NDs, up to a maximum of $500 per year.

Workers compensation does include NDs and we are able to get covered for motor vehicle/no-fault insurance.

6.  What is the cost of living in Hawaii?

Housing and commercial office space varies depending on particular locale. Food and gasoline costs are higher in Hawaii than most places on the mainland.  Winter clothing and heating costs are much lower.   Overall, the higher cost of living is the price you pay to live in paradise.

7.  What are my chances of success as an ND practicing in Hawaii?

As with most places, there are many factors which determines an individual's success, including personality, confidence, interpersonal skills, financial resources and money management. If you love the outdoors, love what you do, and have the patience to wade through the transition, your odds are looking good.

8.  What else might I want to know?

NDs are eligible for staff privileges at North Hawaii Community Hospital (on the Big Island - Hawaii), and at Maui Memorial Hospital. We strongly encourage docs interested in practicing in Hawaii to come for a visit to one or more of the islands, see how it feels to be here, talk to those of us in practice, and come back if it feels right.  Preceptoring is always a good way to check it out.

The Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians is happy to welcome you as a new member.  We meet 3 times a year for business meetings and social interaction. As a society, we continue to focus on educational events for the public and profession, and increased interaction with all health practitioners and the public.

Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians

758 Kapahulu Ave #451

Honolulu, HI  96816
808-732-6996