(a)  Any person may report to the division of professional regulation in writing any information the person has reason to believe indicates that a doctor of naturopathy is, or may be, medically or legally incompetent; engaged in the unauthorized practice of naturopathy; guilty of unprofessional conduct; or mentally or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of naturopathy.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 5-36.1-17

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Department: means the Rhode Island department of health. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-36.1-2
  • Doctor of naturopathy: means a person who practices naturopathic health care and is licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. See Rhode Island General Laws 5-36.1-2
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • in writing: include printing, engraving, lithographing, and photo-lithographing, and all other representations of words in letters of the usual form. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-16
  • person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6

(b)  Upon receiving a credible complaint or report concerning a licensee, or on its own motion, the division of professional regulation may investigate any evidence that appears to show a licensee may be medically incompetent; guilty of unprofessional conduct; or mentally or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of naturopathy.

(c)  Within ten (10) days of receipt thereof, the division of professional regulation shall acknowledge receipt of all reports required by this section and any complaint against a licensee. Within ten (10) days thereafter, the division shall inform any person or entity whose report has resulted in action by the division of the final disposition of the matter.

(d)  Any person aggrieved by the decision or ruling of the department of health, or of the division of professional regulation, in regard to any of the provisions of this chapter, may appeal to the superior court in the manner provided for in chapter 35 of Title 42.

History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 329, § 1.