Sample Letters
Dear Senator French:
Naturopathic medicine has been my choice for 30+ years. Naturopathic physicians' authority to write prescriptions is long overdue in Alaska.
When I (rarely) require a prescription, it is nothing short of outrageous that I must make another appointment with an MD -- incurring unnecessary waste of my time and money, to say nothing of insurance company's money and the related effect on my insurance costs. The sole beneficiary is the MD's bank account!
I urge you to support SB107.
Sincerely,
Janet L.
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To: The Honorable Senator Lyda Green:
I hope you are well and are enjoying a warm and relatively sunny summer in Alaska, with friends and family.
I wanted you to know that a good part of the lifestyle I enjoy in this beautiful state is due, in part, to the many positive health care choices that are available. Being able to have various medical options available to me, has been a key reason why my life has evolved and become so enriched--while living here. I cite several examples in particular-- Dr. Ruth Bar-Shalom/Fairbanks, and other members of the naturopathic and holistic community, such as Dr. Mary Minor--Alaska Alternative Medical Center/Anchorage. These doctors-among others- have assisted me in dealing with a number of health issues ranging from fertility issues as well as other feminine hormonal issues. That is, of course, with all due respect to the conventional Medical Community, as well. I have had equally positive experiences with physicians at Matsu Regional Hospital as well as other health care facilities around the state. Using a Complementary Medical approach, and sometimes blending conventional and naturopathic therapies, has worked very well for me. In fact, sources from several Holistic Health and reference texts indicate that 20- 30% of patients seen in a Conventional Provider's office are also using Alternative/Complementary therapies (information obtained from www.akanp.com).
I feel the Medical Community certainly has much to offer in Alaska. And there is incredible growth occurring, in my opinion, in that field. I think one very positive step in the continuing growth of the Medical Community could be an equally positive vote for Senate Bill 107. I also think that SB 107 would be a timely update for those practicing Naturopathic medicine in this state.
I think that by updating the licensing law for Naturopathic Doctors--this will, in turn, allows them to more fully serve their patients to the fullest scope of their abilities. Under Dr. Mary Minor's care, I have been using a certain topical progesterone cream to help with menopausal symptoms. But, I have had to wait quite a lengthy amount of time to receive this very helpful prescription cream, as my doctor has had to go through other channels to have someone write the prescription for this item.
I do feel--after continuing to see Naturopathic doctors for over a decade now-- that this is also a consumer rights issue.
I have chosen to see these doctors and I feel that I could even more fully benefit from what they offer, with the passage of this measure (SB 107).
Thank you for your consideration of this bill.
Most Sincerely,
Karen E.
Palmer, AK
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Dear Senator Gary Stevens:
It has recently come to my attention that Naturopathic Doctors practicing in Alaska are denied the ability to prescribe prescription drugs and do minor surgery, even though they have been trained in both areas. Other states, such as Oregon, Washington and Arizona (our close neighbors) along with ten additional States have seen the wisdom and recognize the need and the cost savings to patients of these Naturopathic Doctors being able to do this.
It has been my experience that Naturopathic Doctors are more concerned with preventing illness and helping patients recover from an existing illness naturally. However, there are times when it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics. It would be more cost effective for both the patient and the insurance companies if our Naturopathic Doctors could do this, rather than us having to make another appointment with a regular Medical Doctor.
These reasons are only a few of my concerns. I strongly urge you to rectify this short- coming and support Senate Bill 107.
Sincerely,
Thomas M.
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I am emailing to ask your support of SB 306, the Naturopathic Practice Act. As a previous patient of Dr.Harmon, ND, and a user of holistic approaches to health, I am very much in support of SB 306. To me, this is a clear cut bill that allows me as a consumer to receive the full service of care that naturopaths are qualified to give.
In addition, SB 306 eliminates the duplication of services, and the increase in time and money that exist under the current law that requires an additional visit to an M.D. to prescribe or adjust medication. Since medical costs in Alaska are already expensive compared to other states, why add to my costs as a consumer?
It is clear that Alaska’s laws are out of date in regards to the current educational requirements for N.D.’s and needs to be updated so that Alaska does not lose valuable medical professionals to other states or occupations. An N.D., with eight years of education and training, should at a minimum be allowed the same level of authority as a nurse practitioner with six years of education. Naturopaths are not in the business to administer drugs, but they are open to the use of medication to stabilize a person’s health problems while more holistic, long-term solutions can be found.
Please support SB 306 so I as a consumer do not have to shoulder the burden of out-of-date laws. Thank you for your time and consideration,
Beth V.
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Dear Senator Stevens:
I am writing to ask that you support Senate Bill 107, which would give licensed Naturopathic Doctors authority to write prescriptions and perform minor surgeries.
It is now necessary to go to a regular MD, after visiting my preferred Naturopathic Doctor, if I am in need of any antibiotics or other prescriptions. I prefer working with my Naturopathic Doctor to keep my body healthy and not need prescriptions, however, given the need, I would like the option of having my Naturopathic Doctor be able to prescribe these medicines.
Naturopathic doctors have been licensed in Alaska and have had the training necessary to perform minor surgery and write prescriptions. They have an impressive recored of safety and I feel they should be allowed to perform these procedures. Therefore I am asking that you support this bill.
Sincerely,
Cheryl M
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Dear Senator Green,
I am writing to express my support for Senate Bill 107. I have been under the care of a knowledgeable, competent Naturopathic Doctor for years. However, to obtain basic prescriptions for uncomplicated health conditions, I still need another doctor. I feel that these extra appointments are redundant, inefficient and unnecessary. Not to mention inconvenient and double the health care costs!
Naturopathic Doctors receive the training and education necessary to write prescriptions and perform minor surgery. I would love to see Alaska join the ranks with other states and update our licensing law with SB107.
I appreciate your taking the time to consider my opinion. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
Sincerely,
Doreen S.
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