The North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NCANP) is a non-profit organization formed in 1987. It is the state professional organization of Naturopathic Doctors in North Carolina who are graduates of four-year in-residence Naturopathic medical schools which are nationally and regionally accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and which lead to the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND).The NCANP is an official state affiliate of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). As an affiliate organization, the NCANP is bound by the national standards that recognize Naturopathic Doctors in the United States and all NCANP members meet these requirements to maintain membership. More information about the AANP can be found at www.naturopathic.org.The NCANP works to expand access to Naturopathic Medicine in North Carolina by bringing together Naturopathic Doctors across the state who work on education, professional development, and legislative efforts. The NCANP also serves as a referral resource for individuals who are searching for Naturopathic Doctors in North Carolina who have met rigorous national standards for the profession and who are licensed or registered in one of the 23 U.S. states/districts/territories in which laws are in place that allow and oversee the practice of Naturopathic Medicine.Naturopathic Doctors are general practice family healthcare providers who specialize in prevention and treatment of disease through optimal diet, lifestyle habits, and the use of natural, non-toxic therapies for people of all ages. The NCANP is actively working on legislation that, if passed, will recognize and regulate the practice of Naturopathic Medicine in our state. This will improve access to Naturopathic Doctors for the citizens of North Carolina and will allow Naturopathic doctors to be integrated members of healthcare.