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~ Direct Access Care: No Referral Necessary, Referrals Appreciated~
(63/15. Practice of naprapathy defined – Referrals) Section 15. Practice of naprapathy defined; referrals.
Naprapathic practice means the identification, evaluation and treatment of persons with connective tissue disorders through the use of naprapathic case history and palpation or treatment of persons by the use of connective tissue manipulation, therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise, postural counseling, nutritional counseling, and the use of the effective properties of physical measures of heat, cold, light, water, radiant energy, electricity, sound and air, and assistive devices for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating a physical disability.
Naprapathic practice encompasses a wide range of treatments aimed at addressing various neuromusculoskeletal conditions. These include, but are not limited to, the treatment of contractures, muscle spasms, inflammation, scar tissue formation, adhesions, lesions, laxity, hypotonicity, rigidity, structural imbalance, bruising, contusions, muscular atrophy, and partial separation of connective tissue fibers.
Additionally, Naprapathic practice involves comprehensive diagnostic and treatment procedures such as performing specialized tests and measurements, administering specialized treatment procedures, interpreting referrals from licensed physicians, dentists, and podiatrists, establishing and modifying naprapathic treatment programs, and supervising or teaching naprapathy. This holistic approach ensures a thorough and effective treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs, with a significant focus on neuroscience and neurology as integral aspects of natural, physical, and complementary medicine.
Naprapathic practices does not include radiology, surgery, pharmacology, invasive diagnostic testing, or determination of a differential diagnosis; provided, however, the limitation on determining a differential diagnosis shall not in any manner limit a naprapath licensed under this Act from performing an evaluation authorized under this Act.
A naprapath licensed under this Act who is not also licensed as a physical therapist under the Illinois Physical Therapy Act shall not hold himself or herself out as qualified to provide physical therapy or physiotherapy services. Nothing in this Section shall limit a naprapath from employing appropriate naprapathic techniques that he or she is educated and licensed to perform. A naprapath shall refer to a licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist any patient whose medical condition should, at the time of evaluation or treatment, be determined to be beyond the scope of practice of the naprapath.
Section 25. Title and designation of licensed naprapaths.
Every person to whom a valid existing license as a naprapath has been issued under this Act shall be designated professionally a “naprapath”, and not otherwise, and any licensed naprapath may, in connection with the practice of his profession, use the title or designation of “naprapath”, and, if entitled by degree from a college or university recognized by the Department, may use the title of “Doctor of Naprapathy” or the abbreviation “D.N.” When the name of the licensed naprapath is used professionally in oral, written, or printed announcements, professional cards, or publications for the information of the public and is preceded by the title “Doctor” or the abbreviation “Dr.”, the explanatory designation of “naprapath”, “naprapathy”, “Doctor of Naprapathy”, or the designation “D.N.” shall be added immediately following title and name.
