1 October 2024
While we all hate when it happens, it does sometimes happen that new graduates or those doctors relocating to Washington State do not pass the required Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) on the first try. 😕 Since the most recent NPLEX scores have been recently released, we've received a number of inquiries as to what can be done if a new resident or employee is not able to obtain a license due to not passing some or all of the NPLEX.
The law is clear that referencing oneself as a naturopathic physician or doctor and/or providing patient care of any kind in Washington without holding an active license in Washington State is "practicing medicine without a license" and subject to disciplinary action against the person doing it and potentially against any licensed clinician found to have "aided or abetted" it.
If you find yourself in the difficult position of being or having hired someone who did not pass their licensing exams, the only legal healthcare-providing option is to register with the Washington State Department of Health as a Medical Assistant and to provide only the limited services that are within the legal scope of practice of a Medical Assistant. (You cannot legally act as a Medical Assistant of any type without holding an active certification or registration, per RCW 18.360.020.)
Find more information at the following links:
- Washington State Department of Health Medical Assistant webpage (includes license application and requirements, FAQs, links to relevant laws including scope of practice, and other policies and guidelines)
- RCW Chapter 18.360 (statute defining different types* of medical assistants and clearly defining legal scope of practice of each MA credential type)
- WAC Chapter 246-827 (rules regulating the practice of MAs)
*Note: most people in this situation will be eligible to become registered MAs and NOT certified MAs without additional examinations. Please pay careful attention to the legal scope of practice for a "Medical Assistant - Registered".