Board of Alternative Health Care

Welcome to the Montana Board of Alternative Health Care

The Board of Alternative Health Care makes every effort to include on this website all relevant information pertaining to the licensing and regulation of a Naturopath Physician and Direct-Entry Midwife in Montana.

Board meetings are usually held several times a year.
Meeting minutes are posted within 3 days of board approval.

In general, Board meetings are open to the public.
There are certain meetings or parts (Screening Panel and Executive Session), which are closed to the public.

Scheduled and Proposed Meetings

Board members are appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation. Members serve 4 year terms with no limit on the number of terms a member may serve.

Individual Board Members can be contacted by email at dlibsdahc@mt.gov.  In your message, please specify which board member you would like to contact.

For additional contact information and information on board member terms, please visit the Governor’s Office link for Board Members and Councils at boards.mt.gov.

Fiscal Year 2008 –2009 Professional and Occupational Licensing Report

Individuals who want to practice naturopathic medicine or direct-entry midwifery in Montana must apply to the Montana Board of Alternative Health Care for licensure.  The Board evaluates the applicant's fitness to practice and assures the basic requirements are met.

Public or Licensee Inquiries

Licensees can find license renewal information in this section and obtain mailing lists of licensees.

You can learn who is licensed in Montana by searching our Licensee Lookup system.

The following outlines general license information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the application which includes a detailed listing of the requirements.

A. Application Fee:
Application:  $300.00
Original License Fee:  $200.00
Exam Fee:  $800.00

B. Education Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent and satisfactory completion of educational requirements listed in §37-27-201, MCA

C. Experience Requirements:
Under appropriate supervision, provision of 100 prenatal examinations, observations of 40 births, and participation as the primary birth attendant at 25 births, 15 of which included continuous care as per ARM 24.111.602.

D. Examination Information:
All applicants must pass the North American Registry of Midwives licensing examination (NARM) with a score of 75 or better or an exam endorsed by the Board.  The NARM exam is acceptable only when administered by the Montana Board or when administered by proper NARM officials in conjunction with the annual Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) national meeting.

E. Renewal Period:  March 1 through  April 30

F. Renewal Fee: $550

G. Continuing Education Requirements:  14 hours/year

The following outlines general license information.  For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the application which includes a detailed listing of the requirements.

A. Application Fee:  $200.00

B. Renewal Period:  March 1 through April 30

C. Renewal Fee:   $200.00

The following outlines general license information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the application which includes a detailed listing of the requirements.

A. Application Fee:

Application: $300.00
Original License Fee:  $200.00
Naturopathic Childbirth Specialty Certificate:  $100.00

B. Education Requirements:

1. Graduation from an approved naturopathic school which requires at a minimum a 4-year, full-time resident program of academic and clinical study.
    
2. In addition to #1 above, an applicant for a Naturopathic Childbirth Specialty Certificate must complete at least 100 clock hours of coursework, internship, or preceptorship in obstetrics at an approved naturopathic medical college or hospital or with an approved licensed physician and furnish a signed log that (a) and (b) below have been completed under the direct supervision of a licensed naturopathic, medical, or osteopathic physician with specialty training in obstetrics and/or natural childbirth.
   
   
   1. Applicant has taken part in the care of 50 women in both the prenatal care and postnatal periods;
   2. Applicant has observed and assisted in the intrapartum care and delivery of 50 natural childbirths in a hospital or alternative birthing setting, including 25 births that document the applicant as the primary birth attendant.  Three of the births must be within the two years immediately preceding the submission of the application, and in at least one of the three births, the applicant must have provided continuous care as defined in board rules (24-111-510).
   
   C. Examination Information:
   All applicants must pass the naturopathic physicians licensing examination (NPLEX) with a score of 75 or better or an exam endorsed by the Board. The NPLEX sections required by the Board are basic sciences and clinical sciences, and minor surgery add-on exam. Montana does not administer NPLEX exams;applicants should take them wherever possible.
   
   In addition to #1 above, an applicant for a Naturopathic Childbirth Specialty Certificate must pass a specialty exam in obstetrics approved by the Board or the exam offered by the American College of Naturopathic Obstetricians (ACNO).
   
   D. Renewal Period: March 1 through April 30
   
   E. Continuing Education Requirements:
   1. 15 hours/year; at least 5 hours in naturopathic pharmacy courses.
   2. For Naturopath Childbirth Specialty Certificate, requirements in #1 above, plus 5 additional hours in obstetrics (total of 20).

1. The renewal deadline date (expiration date) for all Board of Alternative Health Care licensees is April 30th of each year.  You can renew online at the "Renew License" link to your right.
2. Renewal opens 60 days prior to your expiration date.  We encourage you to renew your license early in the renewal cycle.
3. Please note that our online system is available 24/7 during the renewal cycle; however, there is no staff available to assist you after 5:00 p.m.  Waiting until the last hours to renew could mean there is no one available to assist you, and this may cause your renewal to accrue late fees.

Renewal Fees
Naturopath - $550
Midwife Apprentice - $200
Direct-Entry Midwife - $550

Renewal Forms
Naturopath Renewal Form
Midwife Apprentice Renewal Form
Direct-Entry Midwife Renewal Form
 

All of the Statutes and Rules listed here are applicable to this board

Statutes are laws passed by the Legislature.  All changes in statutes must go through the legislative process and be passed into law before they become effective.  Title 37, Chapter 1, Part 3 is the Uniform Regulatory Act passed by the Legislature in 1995.  All professional and occupational licensing is covered in these statutes.

Administrative Rules pertaining to alternative health care are written and adopted by the Alternative Health Care Board.  The Board writes rules in order to administer the laws over which the Legislature has given the Board authority.  Rules can be changed by going through the rule-making procedure. They do not go through the Legislative process.  The Alternative Health Care Board continuously reviews rules to determine needed changes.

The Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) at this site contain what should be the same text as the official version published by the Office of the Secretary of State.  There is a possibility, however, that the content may vary from the official version.  In addition, the format has been changed for viewing on this website.  A copy of the official ARM in official format can be obtained from the ARM Bureau of the Office of the Secretary of State by calling (406) 444-2055.  A web version of the ARM published by the Secretary of State can be viewed at Secretary of State's Administrative Rules of Montana.

Please make a choice of the regulation resources listed to the left.

• Chapter 111 - Alternative Health Care Board

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• Chapter 24 - Labor and Industry

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• Chapter 101 - Business Standards Division

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• Title 2 Chapter 15 Part 17 - Alternative Health Care Board

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• Title 37 Chapter 26 - Naturopathic Physicians

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• Title 37 Chapter 27 - Direct-Entry Midwife

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The mission of the Montana Board of Alternative Health Care is to protect the health, safety, and well being of Montanans through the licensing of competent Naturopath Physician and Direct-Entry Midwifes and by the regulation of their practice in order to promote the delivery of quality health care.
 

In order to meet its mission, the Board is charged with taking appropriate action for unprofessional, incompetent, or unlawful practice.  You can learn more about the complaint process or file a complaint with the Board here.

Complaint Form

Complaint Process Brochure

Complaint Process FAQ's

Complaints Contact

Alicia Driscoll, Compliance Specialist
Telephone: (406) 841-2357
E-mail: dlibsdcomplaints@mt.gov

The Department is charged with regulating professions and occupations for the protection of the public as a whole. Although the Department does not represent individuals filing complaints, the Department will review complaints in a timely manner to ensure a complaint is processed and that the Board will take appropriate action.

The length of time for resolution of a complaint is impossible to estimate due to the various complexities presented in individual complaints.

The following types of complaints may be filed:

• Unprofessional conduct by a licensee;
• Unprofessional conduct by a license applicant;
• Unlicensed practice of the profession or occupation.

If an individual is unsure of what constitutes unprofessional conduct and needs a description of the various types, reference to Montana statutes and rules will provide an answer. These are found at your local public library or at the appropriate board site on this web page.

Drop Off or Mail to:
"Name of the Board or Program the complaint pertains to"
Business Standards Division
301 South Park, 4th Floor
PO Box 200514
Helena, MT 59620-0514

Department of Labor & Industry - Business Standards Division

PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513

When a complaint or other information is received alleging possible unlicensed practice...

• (If the allegation is not made in the form of a formal written complaint, a complaint form is completed by the Department and a complaint number is assigned.)
• A copy of the complaint and a request for a written response are mailed to the person against whom the complaint was filed (Respondent).
• A written acknowledgment that the complaint has been received is mailed to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant)
• The respondent may submit a letter of response to the complaint. If a written response is not submitted, the complaint process continues without a response.
• The complainant and the respondent are sent written notify cation of the date, time, and location of any meeting at which the complaint will be discussed.

The Board Meeting

• Unlicensed Practice complaints are addressed by the Full Board in executive session (meaning closed to the public). Board meetings are open to the public unless the chairperson determines an individual’s right to privacy outweighs the public’s right to know. If so, that portion of the meeting will be closed to the public (only the respondent, complainant, and legal counsel for each (if any) may be present).
• The complaint and response (if any) are provided to the board members prior to an upcoming board meeting for their review. The board meeting is not a hearing, but rather a meeting at which the information provided is considered and discussed by the board.

DISMISSAL

• If the board dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissed with or without prejudice.
• Dismissal With Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered in the future.
• Dismissal Without Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the board in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

INVESTIGATION

• The board can request an investigator be assigned to gather additional information surrounding the allegations made in the complaint. This may involve interviews with the respondent, the complainant, and possible witnesses.
• After the investigation has been completed, an investigative report is prepared and presented to the board for consideration at a subsequent meeting.
• Following the board’s review of the investigative report, a determination is made to either dismiss the complaint or take action in the form of a Cease and Desist or an Injunction.

CEASE & DESIST / INJUNCTION

• The board may issue a Cease & Desist or seek an Injunction.
• Cease & Desist–A letter from the administrative agency prohibiting a person or business from doing or continuing to do a certain activity.
• Injunction-A writ granted by a court prohibiting a person or business from doing or continuing to do a certain activity.

For more information, contact DLI Business Standards Division at 406-841-2300

This process is used for the Boards that are administered in the Business Standards Division. The various Programs administered in the Division use a similar process.

Important: When filing or responding to a complaint, be as thorough as possible. You may attach additional documents to the complaint form to ensure that all pertinent information has been included. The Screening Panel meeting is NOT a hearing, but is a time for the panel to consider the complaint and response. Attendance is your choice. If you attend the panel may ask additional questions. Please notify this office prior to the meeting if you plan to attend.

After a complaint has been filed against a licensed individual the Compliance Office will send a letter of acknowledgment to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant), and a letter requesting a response (with a copy of the complaint) to the licensee against whom the complaint was filed.

The Licensee may submit a written response addressing the complaint to the Compliance Office. The process continues whether or not a response is submitted. The Complainant is not entitled to a copy of the response.

The Compliance Office will notify the Licensee and Complainant regarding the date and time of any meeting during which the case will be discussed.

Complaints remain confidential unless a Notice of Proposed Board Action is issued, which is a public document along with all subsequent legal filings.

Meetings

• Closed Meeting - During a Closed Meeting only the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or attorneys for either can be in attendance. Minutes of Closed Meetings are not public documents.
• Open Meeting - A public meeting which anyone can attend. The minutes of Open meetings are public documents and made available online via the specific Board’s webpage. (Adjudication Panel meetings are usually open.)

Individuals may attend a meeting in person or by telephone. Please notify this office prior to the meeting if you plan to attend the meeting.

Screening Panel

• Screening Panel - A committee comprised of members of the Board. The Screening Panel’s function is to determine the preliminary action(s) to take on a complaint. Possible preliminary actions include dismissal, investigation, or a finding of Reasonable Cause.

The complaint and response (if any) are submitted to the Screening Panel members. The Screening Panel meeting is not a hearing, but rather a committee meeting to review and discuss the complaint and response to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

Dismissal

If the Screening Panel dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissed with or without prejudice (see definitions below).

• Dismissal With Prejudice - The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered by the Screening Panel in the future.
• Dismissal Without Prejudice - The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the Screening Panel in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

Investigation

Only a member of the Screening Panel can request an investigation of a complaint. If an investigation is requested by the Screening Panel, the case is assigned to an investigator who may request an interview with the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or other individuals. Upon completion of the investigation, a written report is submitted to the Screening Panel, which will then determine if there is Reasonable Cause to proceed with disciplinary action.

Reasonable Cause

• Reasonable Cause - A finding by the Screening Panel that evidence exists that a violation of statutes and rules has occurred which warrants proceeding with disciplinary action.

If Reasonable Cause is found, the Department Counsel issues a Notice of Proposed Board Action (Notice) to the Licensee. Once a Notice is issued, it is public information. A proposed Stipulation may be included with the Notice.

• Notice - A legal document from the Department’s Legal Counsel which sets forth the Department’s factual assertions, the statutes or rules relied upon, and advising the licensee of the right to a hearing.
• Stipulation - A tentative agreement for settlement of the case. A Stipulation is not finalized until approved by the Adjudication Panel.

The Licensee may either sign the Stipulation or contest the proposed action by requesting an administrative Hearing (a legal process before a Hearing Examiner). If the Licensee wishes to request a hearing, written request must be received within twenty (20) days from receipt of the Notice. Failure to either sign a Stipulation or request a hearing within twenty (20) days may result in the issuing of a Final Order of Default against the licensee.

• Default - the licensee’s acceptance of the disciplinary action demonstrated by failing to participate in the process

Adjudication Panel

• Adjudication Panel - A committee comprised of members of the Board who are NOT on the Screening Panel. The Adjudication Panel determines the final outcome of a case.

The Adjudication Panel reviews the record to determine appropriate sanctions. A Final Order is issued by the Adjudication Panel, completing the complaint process.

Complaint Process Flow

Current license status and information regarding disciplinary action(s) against a licensee can be accessed online at: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/

There are THREE types of Licensure Verification Requests:

1). Licensees for any profession can be verified by using LicenseLookup.mt.gov.
This website provides real-time connectivity to the Business Standards Licensing Database.  There is no charge for this service.

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2). An individual may request licensure information directly from the board or program email link. The email should include first and last name, address, city, state, license number and any other type of identifying information. There is no charge for this service.

A response should occur within 3 days of receipt.

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3). To request an official license verification be sent to another state licensing board, jurisdiction or individual for license confirmation status in the State of Montana. The fee for this is $20.00 per verification requested.

Once the fee and official license verification form are received, the request will be processed and mailed within 5 days.

NARM - Contact Testing Department
Office of Inspector General
Exclusion Program
For many years the Congress of the United States has worked diligently to protect the health and welfare of the nation's elderly and poor by implementing legislation to prevent certain individuals and businesses from participating in Federally-funded health care programs. The OIG, under this Congressional mandate, established a program to exclude individuals and entities affected by these various legal authorities, contained in sections 1128 and 1156 of the Social Security Act, and maintains a list of all currently excluded parties called the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.

Health Care Employment Opportunities within Montana

Health Care Employment with Montana State Government
Health Care Employment in Montana (other than state government)