San Diego City Wire

A new measure introduced by Senator Brian W. Jones, aimed at expanding job opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), has been signed into law. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 994, allows Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) to employ LVNs and enables both professions to operate within their existing scope of practice.

The bill seeks to enhance the presence of LVNs in primary care settings, providing them with more opportunities to work closely with doctors and patients. This includes involvement in developing care plans, a role they might not typically have in other environments.

Previously, under existing regulations, NDs could only hire Naturopathic Assistants who perform limited tasks and require the ND's presence in the office. This restriction often led to inefficiencies and longer wait times for patients due to the lack of medically trained support staff available.

Senator Brian W. Jones expressed his support for the new law: “This is a win-win-win for Licensed Vocational Nurses, Naturopathic Doctors, and most of all, the patients,” he said. “The current law that does not allow for an ND to hire an LVN is outdated, and frankly a disservice to medical professionals and medical consumers. This change lifts these unnecessary restrictions to the benefit of all.”

The measure was sponsored by the Naturopathic Doctors Association and received unanimous approval from both the Senate and Assembly. With Governor Newsom's signature last night, SB 994 will become effective on January 1, 2023.