2859.1. (a) For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Naturopathic doctor” means a person who holds a current, active, and unrestricted license pursuant to the Naturopathic Doctors Act (Chapter 8.2 commencing with Section 3610).
(2) (A) “Supervision” or “supervising,” as used in connection with the supervision of a licensed vocational nurse by a naturopathic doctor, means the supervision of procedures authorized by this section and Section 2859 that are within the scope of practice of the naturopathic doctor, and means that a naturopathic doctor oversees the activities of, and accepts responsibility for, those services described in this section and Section 2859 that are performed by a supervised licensed vocational nurse. “Supervision” in this context does not require the physical presence of a naturopathic doctor, but does require both of the following:
(i) Adherence to adequate supervision as agreed to in the practice agreement described in Section 2859.
(ii) The naturopathic doctor being available by telephone at the time the licensed vocational nurse examines the patient.
(B) This definition does not prohibit the board from requiring the physical presence of a naturopathic doctor as a term or condition of the discipline, reinstatement, or probation of a licensed vocational nurse.
(b) This section does not authorize a naturopathic doctor to supervise or direct a licensed vocational nurse to start or superimpose intravenous fluids in a manner that would violate Section 2860.5, including by performing the procedure outside of an organized health care system.
(c) This section does not authorize a licensed vocational nurse to perform any of the following acts:
(1) Administering Botox, Juvederm, Kybella, or glutathione injections.
(2) Performing platelet-rich plasma therapy.
(3) Performing skin growth removal procedures.
(4) Performing other cosmetic procedures outside the scope of practice of a licensed vocational nurse, as determined by the board.
(5) Administering laser, light, steam, or ultraviolet treatment therapies, unless directed by a physician and surgeon or naturopathic doctor for a medically necessary purpose.
(6) Starting or superimposing intravenous fluids independently in unsupervised home care or other unauthorized setting.
(d) This section does not authorize an unlicensed naturopathic doctor to hire, direct, or supervise a licensed vocational nurse.
(e) This section does not authorize a licensed naturopathic doctor to hire, direct, or supervise a licensed vocational nurse who has a license that is not current and active.
(f) If a naturopathic doctor provides supervision of a licensed vocational nurse who has a restricted license due to a probationary order, then the supervising naturopathic doctor shall ensure that they comply and provide supervision within the terms of the probationary order.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 713, Sec. 2. (SB 994) Effective January 1, 2023.)
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