Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors

Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors

The Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND), established in 1995, is the professional association representing licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) in Nova Scotia. NSAND’s mission is:

  • 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.

Nova Scotia Naturopathic Practice Requirements

Naturopathic doctors practicing in Nova Scotia must:

  • hold a doctor of naturopathic medicine degree/diploma conferred upon him/her 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);
  • and 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 would 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 it is a step in the right direction, it only offers title protection for practicing naturopathic doctors. Establishing robust legislation has been a priority for NSAND as, currently, it is incumbent on the patient to ensure they are seeing a fully trained naturopathic doctor before they seek care.

As the number of practitioners continues to grow, it is important to have a regulatory framework in place to ensure a high standard of care and protection. This will provide Nova Scotians with the assurance that they are seeing a rigorously trained and governed professional when they seek naturopathic medical services.

Naturopathic medicine is an excellent option when looking for ways to help individuals 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 Nova Scotia.

Becoming a member of NSAND

Thank you for inquiring about membership in the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND). The 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 will be required to have passed both the basic science and clinical portion of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensure Examination (NPLEX).

The three categories of membership are as follows

  1. Full membership with yearly dues of $400.00 (subject to change). Full membership gives the member voting privilege in the NSAND.
  2. Associate membership with yearly fees of $50.00. Associate members do not have voting privilege in the NSAND.
  3. Student membership with yearly fees of $25.00. Student members do not have voting privilege in the NSAND.

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.