Supporting the Care You Trust: Why HB147 Matters to Our Patients

Many of our patients have told us the same thing over and over: what they value most is being truly listened to. Time, relationship, and whole-person understanding matter—especially when it comes to your health. That is the heart of naturopathic medicine, and it’s exactly the kind of care Dr. Wiggins provides here at Vitae every day.

As Alaska continues to face a significant shortage of medical providers, especially in primary care, access to consistent and comprehensive healthcare has become more challenging for many individuals and families. Long wait times, limited appointment availability, and fragmented care are increasingly common. At the same time, there are highly trained providers already serving our communities who are not yet able to practice to the full extent of their education.

Naturopathic Doctors Are Trained Primary Care Providers

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are trained as primary care providers. Their education includes extensive coursework and clinical training in diagnostics, disease management, pharmacology, and patient-centered care. Like MDs and DOs, NDs are trained to assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan.

Despite this training, current restrictions in Alaska limit the scope of practice for NDs—often requiring patients to see additional providers for medication management that their ND is already trained to handle. This can lead to unnecessary referrals, delays in care, increased costs, and disrupted continuity.

What Is HB147?

House Bill 147 (HB147) is proposed legislation that would allow licensed Naturopathic Doctors in Alaska to practice to the full extent of their training, including clinical prescription management.

Importantly, HB147 is built with patient safety at the forefront.

The bill includes multiple safeguards, such as initial physician oversight and clear standards for prescribing, ensuring that expanded access to care does not come at the expense of safety or accountability.

Why This Matters for Patients

For patients, HB147 is not about changing the type of care you receive—it’s about strengthening it. When NDs are able to manage care more fully:

• Patients experience fewer delays and handoffs between providers

• Care becomes more efficient and coordinated

• Trust and continuity in the patient–doctor relationship are preserved

• Access to primary care improves across the state

  
  

For many patients who already rely on naturopathic doctors as their primary providers, this legislation supports a smoother, more complete care experience.

Why We’re Speaking Up

Here at Vitae, Dr. Natalie Wiggins is deeply trusted by her patients—not just for her clinical expertise, but for the way she shows up with compassion, attentiveness, and respect. Like all licensed NDs, she has completed rigorous training that prepares her to manage medications safely and appropriately when needed.

This moment is an opportunity for patients to speak up about the care they value and the providers they trust. HB147 helps ensure that relationship-based, whole-person care remains accessible in Alaska—especially as healthcare demands continue to grow.

How You Can Help

If your care with Dr. Wiggins—or with any naturopathic doctor—has made a meaningful difference in your life, your voice matters. A simple letter to lawmakers can help them understand how this legislation affects real patients and real communities.

Learn more about HB147 and participate in the letter-writing campaign at akand.org/advocacy.

Together, we can support safer access, stronger continuity of care, and a healthier future for Alaska.