Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Our Mission, Requirements, & Regulation
Established in 1995, the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND) is the professional association representing licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) in Nova Scotia.
NSAND’s mission:
- To be the resource for reliable and current information, news, and events related to naturopathic medicine.
- To protect the public by upholding the national standards of competency in naturopathic medicine.
- To increase the visibility and understanding of naturopathic medicine among Nova Scotians.
- To act as a resource and support system for members of our association.
Practice Requirements:
Naturopathic doctors practicing in Nova Scotia must:
- Hold a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree or diploma conferred by an accredited or candidate school of naturopathic medicine, legally chartered to grant a four-year degree or diploma;
- Have written and passed NPLEX (Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examinations), the recognized, standardized North American naturopathic board examination;
- Maintain membership in NSAND and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND);
- Carry professional liability insurance.
Regulation of Naturopathic Doctors in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND) is working diligently toward the implementation of full regulatory legislation in Nova Scotia. Once proclaimed, Nova Scotia will join British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario as a fully regulated jurisdiction.
Currently, the Naturopathic Doctors Act (2008) is the singular piece of legislation present in Nova Scotia. While a step in the right direction, it offers only title protection for practicing naturopathic doctors. Presently, it is incumbent on the patient to ensure his or her ND's training background prior to seeking care. Establishing robust legislation is a top priority for NSAND.
As the number of practitioners continues to grow, having a regulatory framework in place is essential to ensuring a high standard of care and protection. Nova Scotians deserve the assurance of a rigorously trained and governed professional when seeking naturopathic medical services.
Naturopathic medicine is an excellent avenue for helping Nova Scotians achieve their health potential while lessening the burden on the current healthcare system. In this light, NSAND appreciates the public’s continuing support as we move toward legislation regulating the practice of naturopathic medicine in our province.
Becoming a member of NSAND
Thank you for inquiring about membership in the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND). NSAND requires that all applicants meet national standards for education in naturopathic medicine, including graduation from an approved four-year naturopathic medical school. The Labour Mobility Agreement of Canada requires that all applicants who have applied for “full” or “associate” membership after January 2000 have passed: 1) both the basic science and clinical portions of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensure Examination (NPLEX) or 2) all parts of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) entry-to-practice exams.
Full membership
Full membership with yearly dues of $400.00 (subject to change).
Full members have voting privilege in NSAND.
Associate membership
Associate membership with yearly fees of $50.00.
Associate members do not have voting privilege in NSAND.
student membership
Student membership with yearly fees of $25.00.
Student members do not have voting privilege in NSAND.
Our Benefits
NSAND Membership Benefits:
- Inclusion in an email distribution list that provides updates, information sharing, and a place to ask clinical questions of colleagues.
- Regular meetings with the association (4 per year) to be updated on all areas of our profession (provincial and national), to discuss clinical cases, to organize public awareness of the profession, and to organize further governmental action towards legislation.
- Access to educational seminars, first aid re-certification, and longer seminars as part of our Annual General Meeting. All of these are part of our commitment to, and requirement of, continuing education.
- Eligibility for the CAND professional liability insurance.
- Group advertising in newspapers, directories, and websites.
- Opportunities to network with other naturopathic doctors.
- Professional support from the association.
- Access to a lending library.
Applying to NSAND
Non-CAND Members:
Download, complete, and return the NSAND membership application:
Practicing CAND Members:
Are you already a member of CAND practicing in another province? If so, please fill out this application:
Getting started:
When establishing a naturopathic practice in Nova Scotia, you should first:
- Hold a license in a regulated jurisdiction
- Join NSAND
- Join CAND
- Register for professional liability insurance