Nova Scotia Officially Regulates Naturopathic Doctors Under the RHPA
Naturopathic Doctors in Nova Scotia became the province’s 22nd regulated health profession under Nova Scotia’s Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
HALIFAX, NS — June 1
May 27th marked a historic milestone for Naturopathic Doctors in Nova Scotia as they officially became the province’s 22nd regulated health profession under Nova Scotia’s Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
Naturopathic Doctors in Nova Scotia are now regulated alongside Doctors of Chiropractic by the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator (NSCNR).
Nova Scotia joins six other Canadian jurisdictions that formally regulate naturopathic doctors under provincial and territorial health profession legislation. The transition to regulation establishes formal licensure, regulatory oversight, title protection, and strengthened public protection measures within the profession.
The Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND) welcomes regulation as an important milestone for both the profession and the public.
“This is a significant and long-awaited moment for naturopathic medicine in Nova Scotia,” said Dr. Tara Lantz, ND, Chair of NSAND. “Regulation strengthens public protection, formalizes professional standards, and helps ensure Nova Scotians can identify qualified naturopathic doctors who meet established education, licensing, and professional requirements.”
Regulation helps ensure Nova Scotians can identify qualified naturopathic doctors who meet established education, licensing, and professional standards. It establishes clear compliance, accountability, and oversight processes integrating naturopathic doctors into Nova Scotia’s broader regulated healthcare system through established standards for registration, practice, and professional conduct.
The move to regulation for naturopathic doctors reflects the continued evolution of Nova Scotia’s healthcare system toward modern, collaborative, and accountable professional regulation.
NSAND acknowledges the substantial work undertaken throughout the multi-year regulatory process by the Department of Health and Wellness, the NSCNR transition team, registrants, as well as national and provincial professional organizations that supported the profession throughout the transition process.
“This transition has involved years of collaboration, planning, and commitment from many individuals across the profession and government,” said Dr. Tara Lantz. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time and expertise to help bring regulation into effect.”
As the profession enters this new chapter, NSAND remains committed to supporting Naturopathic Doctors, advancing professional collaboration, and advocating for safe, accessible, patient-centred care across Nova Scotia.
Quick Facts
- As of May 27, 2026, Naturopathic Doctors officially become Nova Scotia’s 22nd regulated health profession.
- Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and the Northwest Territories. There are over 3,000 NDs across Canada.
- Naturopathic Doctors in Nova Scotia are regulated by the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator (NSCNR).
- Regulation establishes formal standards for licensure, registration, professional conduct, accountability, and public protection.
About NSAND:
Established in 1995, the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND) is the professional association representing licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) in Nova Scotia. NSAND supports the advancement of the profession through advocacy, public education, professional collaboration, and member support.
Media Contact & Interviews:
Crystal Richard
CR & Co. Public Relations
