NDs in Washington State: An Expanded Role

NDs in Washington State will soon—October!—have an expanded range, including the ability to diagnose autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions and developmental delays.

Due in huge part to the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Department of Social and Health Services Developmental Disabilities Administration has updated multiple sections of WAC 388-823 intake and eligibility determinations.

Note: The Uniform Disciplinary Act requires that healthcare practitioners only provide care they are able to competently provide. No one should provide these diagnoses without proper training and understanding of how to diagnose these conditions. In order to diagnose autism spectrum disorder in Washington, you must have completed training and be designated as a Center of Excellence (COE) provider.

Highlights: ARNPs, physicians, physician assistants, and naturopaths must

• Complete the required COE training authorized by the agency. The COE provider must be prequalified by the agency
• Have demonstrated expertise in diagnosing an autism spectrum disorder by using a validated diagnostic tool; confirming the diagnosis by observing the client’s behavior and interviewing family members; or reviewing the documentation available from the client’s primary care provider, individualized education plan, or individualized family service plan
• Understand the medically necessary use of applied behavior analysis
• Be sufficiently qualified to conduct and document a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and develop a multidisciplinary clinical treatment plan

Learn more here.