An Idaho Senate committee has unanimously rejected proposed naturopathic physician licensing rules, saying they were too vague on education and examination requirements to protect public health. According to the Associated Press, the Senate Health & Welfare Committee decision came after Deputy Attorney General Bill von Tagen said the rules gave no details for what an acceptable naturopathic education entails. The issue arises amid a rift between rival groups of naturopaths in Idaho who don't agree on which standards should govern them and protect the public from poorly trained or sham practitioners. Even without rules, the Board of Naturopathic Medical Examiners, created in 2005, already has issued licenses to a handful of practitioners. Von Tagen said the board may have exposed itself to legal challenge.

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