OBNE Meeting, Sept 28, 2009

The Board Recently wrapped up their most recent meeting on Sept 28, 2009. The next meeting will be December 7th. They usually wrap up the Executive (closed) session about 10 am, sometimes later.

All board members were present.

I. The Non-ND Investigations: These descriptions are based on my own notes and do NOT represent the facts on the record with the OBNE nor any official communication from OBNE. Also, the chair of the board speaks rather quickly and I am sure I missed some information. Contact the board for exact minutes if you need them.

N09-05-12N Mollo: Dismissed with Letter of Concern
A gentleman in Grants Pass was suspected of practicing naturopathic medicine without a license at "New Hope for Health." He was found via a listing which described him as an MD, a listing he did not know existed. Mr. Mollo was formerly licensed in California after attending a school who's accreditation is not accepted by the OBNE. He was also part of the licensing era that allowed NDs to use the term Dr. even w/o the standard ND education, and was grandfathered into the new system which requires this education. The key part of the decision was whether or not he was diagnosing his clients. The OBNE investigator determined that he is not diagnosing but only selling supplements to old patients and perhaps doing some "nutritional counseling" which is not practicing naturopathic medicine.

N08-089-22N Casey: "A routine problem"
Casey is a woman who in the Portland area who failed to pass her ND boards but practices under her LMT license. She is listed as a Dr. on her website and Clackamas County referred the case to OBNE. Investigation continues.

N09-09-10N Hurliman: Dismissed with Letter of Concern
A patient of an unlicensed ND was referred to a dentist for removal of his/her amalgam fillings. The "ND" practiced in Las Vegas over 10 years ago where a license is not required, and had heavy metal testing done for this patient. She is now retired but still in contact with the patient. "ND" vehemently denies telling her patient to have his/her fillings removed. Only one old listing is intact.

N06-06-05N Delphini: Update
Civil Penalty was assessed for practicing veterinary medicine. Notices were sent by OBNE, the Vet Board, and the Medical Board (for acupuncture). Case has been sent to collections, Delhpini has moved to Texas, though the board suspects she'll try to come back.

N09-09-19N Chamberlain: Initiated investigation
Health Co-op is providing cancer treatment without a license.

II. ND Investigations: Names nor case description is given.
N09-08-16: Dismissed
N09-06-13: Dismissed
N09-05-10: Discipline Notice Sent

III. Administrative Rule Changes
850-030-0195, 850-033-0230, 850-040-0210, Increase in CE hours, Adopted with minor revisions.
850-30-035, Fee increase to cover prescription monitoring authority, $25/licensee. ADOPTED
860-0225 and 850-060-0226 - Formulary amendments, proposed rule making initiated. Final rules to be adopted at the December meeting.

IV. Miscellaneous
a. Natural Childbirth Discussion tabled for next meeting
b. Sharon Fuchs brought a complaint and general concern for out-of-hospital deliveries. She believes that VBACs should never be done out of hospital because of the risk of uterine rupture, and that even minor risk patients should not be able to do out-of-hospital deliveries. She is also looking for clear transport guidelines for midwives' patients.
C. Sarah Ohgushi will be joining the board in December
d. For those who had issues with getting their fingerprints through the background check process, the board is initiating a temporary license process that will allow certain applicants to get through. Call the board for more information about your case.
e. Bee venom therapy is not an ND licensed process if administered by bees and not by injection.