My name is Malaina Fondriest, and I am a lifelong resident of Ohio. I am currently in school to become a dietitian, and I plan to further my education in nutrition, herbal medicine, and holistic health, earning as many certifications as I can to help me along my path. My long term goal is to pursue a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree, which is the highest degree required to become a licensed naturopathic doctor, so I can provide safe, integrative healthcare to Ohio families. However, Ohio currently does not license naturopathic doctors. Because of this, I cannot practice legally here without relocating to another state. Moving is simply not an option for me. I have a family and deep, strong roots in our community. This limitation prevents me from pursuing my true vocation, and it actively limits Ohioans’ access to regulated holistic healthcare.

What Naturopathic Doctors Do:

Naturopathic doctors are trained primary care providers who blend modern medical science with natural and holistic approaches to health. They graduate from accredited four year doctoral programs, complete extensive clinical training, and pass national board exams.  

These professionals focus on identifying the root causes of illness and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. Their approach combines nutrition, lifestyle counseling, botanical medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, and mind body therapies to create personalized care plans.

Conditions They Address:

Naturopathic doctors provide safe, evidence informed care for a wide range of conditions, including:

Digestive concerns like IBS, reflux, and food sensitivities,.

Hormonal imbalances involving thyroid disorders, PMS, menopause, and PCOS

Mental health support for anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

Cardiovascular and metabolic health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholestero.l

Allergies, asthma, and chronic fatigue

Skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis

General preventive care and wellness optimization.

Practitioners often collaborate with medical doctors, specialists, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care.

Why Ohio Needs Licensure and the Impact of Senate Bill 385:

Ohio is currently one of the few states that does not license naturopathic doctors, leaving residents without access to regulated integrative care and preventing practitioners from serving their own communities. Licensure is absolutely necessary to establish stricter regulations across our state. Right now, the lack of a legal framework means that absolutely anybody can claim to be a naturopath, regardless of their background or training. This lack of oversight creates a dangerous gap in consumer safety.

There is a major opportunity to fix this right now with Senate Bill 385, which was recently introduced in the statehouse. This new bill directly addresses the need for comprehensive care and safety by establishing a formal licensing system under the State Medical Board of Ohio.  Under Senate Bill 385, the regulations would be strict:

First, it would protect the public by creating strict title protection. Only professionals who meet rigorous educational standards, hold a four year doctoral degree from an accredited naturopathic medical college, and pass national competency board exams could legally practice or call themselves naturopathic doctors. This eliminates confusion and protects patients from unqualified individuals.  

Second, it outlines a clear, safe scope of practice. Licensed practitioners would be authorized to provide comprehensive care by ordering diagnostic tests and standard laboratory work, performing minor superficial office procedures, and utilizing clinical nutrition and botanical therapies.  

Third, it sets clear boundaries for safety by explicitly prohibiting major surgeries and the prescription of controlled substances, ensuring practitioners work safely alongside conventional medical professionals.  

Fourth, it expands vital healthcare options, especially in underserved areas, by allowing fully trained practitioners to safely fill gaps in care.

Finally, it would allow dedicated Ohio residents like me to contribute our skills and knowledge locally rather than forcing us out of the state.

Call to Action:

The introduction of Senate Bill 385 means our goal is closer than ever, but we need strong public backing to get this legislation passed through the committee and turned into law.

I urge our state legislators to pass Senate Bill 385 and establish formal licensure for naturopathic doctors in Ohio. Doing so ensures that committed practitioners and the people we serve can finally thrive.