Hi Teresa,
I'm not an ND or student, but just looking into naturopathic medicine. I can tell you what I've learned from talking to practicing NDs in other unlicensed states, mostly in the midwest.
1) Several say they feel safer teaming up with a licensed practitioner, such as a chiropractor or MD/DO, though others practice independently in more open-minded areas
2) Almost all I've talked to say they don't advertise nearly as much as they would in a licensed state. Most patients come via word of mouth, so building up the practice can take time (years).
3) for laws- the state medical licensing board is where I've been able to find the actual laws. You can search for yours online. I believe this is the official body that regulates medical practice (someone correct me if that's wrong please). Though most states don't specifically address naturopathic medicine, they probably state what constitutes "practicing medicine", as well as the scope of practice for any practitioners who are licensed. You might be able to get a feel for how open the state is based on the size and wording of the scope of practice for chiropractors and acupuncturists
4) Most say they are very careful not to diagnose (most people already have a diagnosis anyway) or do anything that constitutes practicing medicine. This is a big one that I hear can take some adjustment. They act more like a health coach or give clients information for educational purposes, not as a doctor. This may include: going by first name instead of Dr., making sure the client (not patient) has a primary care physician, making it clear that you are only suggesting things or letting the client know some alternative options, not actually "prescribing" any health changes. You'll have to feel out the specific place to know just how conservative you have to be, as well as decide your own risk tolerance.
5) Some go for licensed degrees like dietitian, RN, CNS (type of nurse I think?), LMT, LAc.
6) I think all got a state license in wherever their school was- this at least says you are a "licensable" ND if not a licensed one.
7) Team up with your state AANP chapter or other ND group and start working on public education and licensure! Tell your clients how they can help too, and hopefully soon this will be a non-issue.
Hope this helps. If it does, or if you're just feeling generous, do me a favor and answer my questions in the Incoming Students section (Why ND, etc)
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Also, you can try searching for NDs online in the states you're interested in and give them a call or email. Most are quite nice and willing to talk about their experiences. Let me know what you find out and decide, as this is something I'm looking into as well.
