Naturopathic medicine is a combination of many genres of alternative medicine. It gets its name from two of the most common in the early 1900's "nature cure" and "homeopathy".  Now a days, it also includes botanicals, hydrotherapy and nutrition. Currently there are 14 states that have naturopathic physicians licensed.  All other states the naturopaths have to run the risk of "practicing without a license".

Licensing physicians and pracitioners is important for every field of medicine to insure quality of the physicians practicing. Right now, in California, to be a naturopathic physician, you have to have 4 years after an undergraduate degree invested in a medical program.  After that you need at least one year of residency.  However, in New Jersey, you can simply hang a shingle from your door and call yourself and Naturopath! 

Continuity between states legislatures for public safety and for the growth of the field is a core concern for most naturopathic doctors.

You can get involved by finding out the laws in your state and demanding higher standards of care, demanding laws to protect naturopathic physicians and their patients. Check out http://www.globalnpac.org/ to find out your state's status.