If you have been searching for a naturopathic doctor in Maryland, you have probably noticed that the term is used loosely online. Some people who call themselves naturopaths hold a state license, and some do not. This guide explains what a licensed naturopathic doctor in Maryland is, what the law allows them to do, what it does not allow, and what you can expect if you book a visit. Every legal point below links to the official source so you can read it yourself.
Naturopathic doctors are licensed in Maryland
Maryland licenses naturopathic doctors through the Maryland Board of Physicians, the same board that licenses medical doctors. The rules are set out in the Health Occupations Article, Title 14, Subtitle 5F, and in the state regulations at COMAR 10.32.21, which took effect in 2016. A Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Committee advises the Board on applications, regulations, and the practice of naturopathic medicine.
To be licensed, a naturopathic doctor must graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical program and pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations, often called NPLEX. Accredited programs are four-year, graduate-level doctoral programs that include basic sciences, clinical training, nutrition, and botanical medicine.
You can look up any naturopathic doctor in Maryland using the Board’s free practitioner profile search. A license lookup shows whether the license is active, when it expires, the public practice address, and any public disciplinary actions. It is a simple step that is worth taking before you book with anyone.
The collaboration and consultation agreement
One feature of Maryland law surprises many people. Every licensed naturopathic doctor must have a collaboration and consultation agreement with a Maryland-licensed physician, and according to the Board of Physicians, since October 1, 2025 that agreement must be active and on file with the Board in order to practice.
The Board describes this as a consulting relationship rather than supervision. The naturopathic doctor can ask the physician for advice or an opinion, but the patient does not become the physician’s patient, and the physician does not direct or take part in the patient’s care. Naturopathic doctors are also required to refer patients to physicians and other licensed providers as needed, and to have patients sign a plain-language consent form that explains how the scope of a naturopathic doctor differs from that of a physician.
What a naturopathic doctor in Maryland can do
The scope of practice is set out in Health Occupations §14-5F-14 and COMAR 10.32.21.08. In plain terms, a licensed naturopathic doctor in Maryland may order and perform physical examinations and laboratory testing consistent with their training. They may order imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound and read the radiologist’s report, although they do not perform imaging themselves or interpret the images directly.
They may dispense, order, or recommend natural medicines, which the law describes as including food, extracts of food, nutraceuticals, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, enzymes, botanicals, homeopathic medicines, dietary supplements, and nonprescription drugs. The law also allows hydrotherapy, naturopathic physical medicine, therapeutic exercise, musculoskeletal mobilization, and health education and counseling.
In everyday practice, most of what a naturopathic doctor does is listening, reviewing your history and lab work, explaining what the results may mean, and building a plan around nutrition, sleep, movement, stress, and targeted nutrients or botanicals.
What a naturopathic doctor in Maryland cannot do
The same statute lists clear limits. A naturopathic doctor in Maryland may not prescribe, dispense, or administer prescription drugs or devices outside a narrow formulary defined in the law, may not perform surgery, and may not claim to practice as a medical doctor, osteopath, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, physical therapist, acupuncturist, or any other profession they are not separately licensed in.
Naturopathic doctors in Maryland also do not serve as primary care providers. That means you should keep your regular primary care visits, screenings, and specialist care, and think of a naturopathic doctor as an addition to that team rather than a replacement. Naturopathic doctors are not currently able to contract with insurance companies in Maryland, so visits are usually paid directly, and Medicare and Medicaid do not cover them.
What to expect at a visit
Most naturopathic visits are longer than a typical office appointment. At Move Forward Natural Health, every new patient starts with a free 15-minute call to talk about goals and fit. The initial visit is a longer conversation that covers your health history, current routines, medications, supplements, and any prior lab results. From there, Dr. Kneessi may suggest testing, and a written plan explains the reasoning behind each recommendation. You can read more about the process on the How I Work page.
Lab testing is optional and used when it is likely to answer a specific question. The guide to functional lab testing explains what these panels can show, and articles such as reverse T3 and pregnenolone explain individual markers in plain language.
Questions to ask before you book
Before choosing anyone, it helps to ask whether they hold an active Maryland naturopathic doctor license, which school they graduated from, and what their collaboration and consultation agreement looks like in practice. It is also reasonable to ask how they coordinate with your other doctors, how they decide when lab testing is worthwhile, and what visits cost. A good practitioner will be comfortable answering all of these questions clearly.
Move Forward Natural Health is based in Odenton and works with people from across Anne Arundel County and the rest of Maryland. You can read more about visits for Annapolis, Odenton, Crofton, and Severna Park, or about functional medicine and hormone testing in the area.
See whether a naturopathic approach fits you
In office in Odenton, MD or by telehealth anywhere in Maryland. Prefer to learn first? Try the free 28-Day Longevity Reset.
Frequently asked questions
Are naturopathic doctors licensed in Maryland?
Yes. Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the Maryland Board of Physicians under Health Occupations Title 14, Subtitle 5F, and you can verify a license using the Board’s practitioner search.
Can a naturopathic doctor prescribe medication in Maryland?
Generally no. Maryland law does not allow naturopathic doctors to prescribe prescription drugs or devices outside a narrow formulary defined in the statute. They can recommend nutrition, lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, botanicals, and nonprescription products.
Is a naturopath the same as a naturopathic doctor?
Not always. In Maryland, the licensed title is naturopathic doctor, and it requires an accredited doctoral degree, passing board exams, and a physician collaboration agreement. Someone using the word naturopath may or may not hold that license, so a license lookup is the best way to check.
Can I see a Maryland naturopathic doctor by telehealth?
Yes, many naturopathic doctors offer telehealth. You generally need to be located in Maryland at the time of the visit for a Maryland-licensed provider to see you.
Does insurance cover naturopathic doctors in Maryland?
Naturopathic doctors are not currently able to contract with insurance companies in Maryland, so visits are usually paid directly. Some people use HSA or FSA funds or submit receipts to their plan for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual evaluation by your own healthcare provider. Licensing rules can change, so check the Maryland Board of Physicians for the most current information.
