Articles

Credentialing FAQ's

03/05/2023

  • I currently live in India and have completed BAMS and a postgraduate degree. I plan to come to the U.S. and would like to practice Ayurveda, but I am unfamiliar with the country's health care laws, regulations, and scopes of practice. Can NCCBAM help me prepare to practice?

    • All U.S. immigrants require an H1-B work visa. NCCBAM is preparing a BAMS Bridge program that will provide the knowledge necessary to establish your practice. All BAMS and higher Ayurvedic Doctors will be eligible to become certified through NCCBAM to support legal practice in the U.S.

    • As an immigrant to the USA, you need a work permit (H1 Visa) to work for someone or yourself. Therefore, NCCBAM will offer a bridge program that needs to be completed and the criteria fulfilled to be certified. In addition, you will learn and educate yourself about the ethics and legal parameters of practicing Ayurveda in the USA.

 

  • I am an Ayurvedic practitioner with a BAMS degree in the U.S. I am happy to know that NCCBAM will grandfather BAMS and higher degree holders with AMD certification. How can I enhance my practice with this title?

    • To accurately recognize accredited education and training, individual BAMS and higher graduates may become board-certified Traditional Ayurvedic Medical Doctors (TAMD) through NCCBAM. The TAMD designation clearly distinguishes the certified training for licensed practice from India and other countries which recognize Ayurveda legally. Other organizations in the U.S. do not identify accredited training or legal practice.

    • As a board-certified Traditional Ayurveda Medicine Doctor (TAMD), you will be credentialed in the USA to practice Ayurveda. This credential distinguishes you from other Ayurveda practitioners with lesser training. 

 

  • I have a BAMS degree and will be migrating to the U.S. next year. Unfortunately, I am preoccupied with significant family and business issues at this time and may miss the deadline to be grandfathered by NCCBAM. What are my options to acquire my AMD certification?

    • All applicants who do not complete the grandfathering process before the deadline will be required to complete the Board Exam and any additional requirements for recognition as an TAMD.

    • If the deadline is missed, you must take the Board Exam and some prerequisites to be certified as TAMD.

 

  • I am an Ayurvedic practitioner in the U.S. with a BAMS degree. Can I put "Dr." as a prefix to my name?

    • In any clinical setting, the prefix "Dr." may only be used by individuals licensed as Medical doctors in their jurisdiction. "Dr.." may also be used by individuals holding a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) from an accredited institution. Others with degrees conferring a recognized title of doctor may use "Dr." in educational contexts.

    • NO. The Dr. Prefix is reserved only for M.D. and Ph.D.s.

 

  • What is health freedom legislation, and which states in the U.S. have adopted it? Does it provide more opportunities in my Ayurveda practice?

    • The Health Freedom Act (also known as the Safe Harbor Act) is important legislation that does not criminalize the practice of any healthcare modality that one has been trained to practice. Essentially, it allows for freedom of practice by adhering to specific regulations, including providing informed consent. Read more here https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0337.htm.

    • The following link will give all information about Health Freedom States https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0337.htm.

 

  • What is the difference between other certifications offered in the USA and TAMD Certification?

    • The  other certifications have substandard requirements as compared to the Traditional Ayurvedic Medical Doctor (TAMD) title, which is based on BAMS-level training and licensed practice in India. The other certifications require approximately half the amount of training hours, with significantly reduced clinical training. Ayurveda Education is not taught through an accredited institution or recognized for legal, ethical practice.

    • The other credentials do not clearly define the pathway or criteria to take the exam. Hence a BAMS degree holds no value or distinction from a lesser qualified practitioner. 

    • TAMD credential upholds the BAMS qualification and has a clear pathway is defined 

 

Connect with us