DENVER -- A Colorado couple is fighting in memory of their son’s life for legislation that would regulate naturopathic doctors.

In 2003, after their son Sean was diagnosed with terminal cancer, David and Laura Flanagan took Sean to a man claiming to be a naturopathic doctor.

He started an alternative treatment, and 10 days later, they said, Sean was dead.

The practioner, Brian O’Connell, was latest sentenced to 13 years in prison for negligent homicide.

“It took our son Sean’s death to get the state’s attention that this is a problem, this industry does need to be regulated,” said Laura Flanagan.

House Bill 1157 would require naturopathic doctors be registered with the state, establish some oversight and set standards for education.

Opponents say the legislation is unnecessary and would criminalize holistic health practices being done all over the state.

The bill has passed in the full House and will be heard in Senate committee this week.