In 1981, the Nevada State Legislature enacted a statute creating an Advisory Committee to work with the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners, consisting of three physicians licensed under chapter 630 of NRS who practiced homeopathy and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This Committee assisted the board in matters pertaining to homeopathy and CAM. Recognizing that the philosophical foundation of allopathic medicine (NRS 630) is contrary to the philosophy of homeopathy and CAM, the governor and members of the legislature agreed that a new board was needed to regulate physicians practicing homeopathy and CAM. Senate Bill 237, which included electrodiagnosis and cell therapy, was enacted in 1983. The Nevada State Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners (BHME) was established under chapter 630A of NRS and chapter 630A of NAC.
In accordance with the legislative mandate to protect the public from harm, the board interviews and examines applicants for licensure and certification, receives and hears complaints, conducts investigations, and performs disciplinary action when necessary. Board members are appointed by the governor of Nevada to serve for one term (4 years).
In 1983, the board consisted of 5 members (4 licensed homeopath physicians and 1 member of the public). The board was expanded to 7 members (4 licensed homeopathic physicians and 3 members of the public) in 1985, and meets two or more times annually.
In 1995, homeopathic medicine was expanded by the legislature to allow others who qualified in the health care field to apply for a certificate to practice homeopathy and CAM as an advanced practitioner of homeopathy or as a homeopathic assistant. Those certified must practice under the supervision of a physician licensed under NRS 630A.
In 1997, the practice of homeopathic medicine was further expanded by the legislature to include the following CAM therapies in addition to homeopathy, electrodiagnosis and cell therapy: neural therapy, herbal therapy, neuromucscular integration, orthomolecular therapy and nutrition. Please review NAC 630A.014 for definitions and explanations of homeopathy and CAM therapies. This information can be located in NRS 630A.