Advertising as a naturopath
AHPRA sets the health ad rules. It does not register naturopaths. Its rules can still cover your ads. Here is how.
Where you start
The word naturopath is free for anyone to use. There is no board for it. Chinese medicine has had its own board since 2012. That gap shapes the rest.
The first way in
Say you are also a physio, so you are registered. AHPRA says the rules then cover all your ads. That even means the ones just about your herbal work.
The second way in
Only the registered can call themselves an acupuncturist or a Chinese medicine practitioner. Dry needling, called dry needling, is free to use. The same needle has a different risk.
The third way in
Words that hint you are registered break the law if used knowingly or recklessly. The penalty can include jail. A bare Dr with no job named is the easy slip.
If you are only a naturopath
State codes ban claims about treating illness that you cannot back up. In NSW, the health complaints body can look into you. It can also ban a person from practice.
If you sell products
TGA rules cover herbs and supplements. Some can't be advertised to the public. A post that links a herb, a serious illness and your shop may be an ad.
One website, 4 rulebooks
Only the word naturopath is free to use. Your health claims, titles, product pages and shared services each have their own rule maker. Check each line before it goes up.
Tap below for the full map.