Please contact your state regulatory agency for
current laws. We try to maintain a current listing for each state,
but regulations change year to year.
LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW
Independent Board or ...?
There is a myth that most states have an independent board of acupuncture
or Oriental medicine. In fact, only 13 states have independent boards,
one of which is a joint board with naturopaths (Maine). In 12 states,
acupuncturists are regulated by the board of medical examiners.
Ten of these have an advisory committee of licensed acupuncturists.
In the remaining states, acupuncturists are regulated by the Department
of Commerce, Regulatory Agencies, Health, Professional Regulation
or Occupational Licensing, or by a board such as the Board of Regents
or Board of Chiropractic. Since most of the states that have not
passed laws have very few practitioners, and it costs $25,000 and
up to operate a board each year, the majority of new states that
have passed laws in the last three years do not have an independent
board. History shows, however, that as the number and political
power of practitioners increase, states may change to an independent
board as Maryland and California have done.
Licensure Title and Use of Doctor
Most jurisdictions grant the licensure title Licensed Acupuncturist,
Certified Acupuncturist, Registered Acupuncturist or Acupuncturist.
Although one title would make national public relations easier,
licensure titles are dictated by local political philosophy and
legal constraints. Although no other medical profession grants a
licensure title of doctor without being based on an accredited doctorate
degree, four states include the word doctor in their licensure title
for acupuncture and Oriental medical providers. Arkansas, Nevada
and New Mexico grant the title Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Rhode
Island grants the licensure title Doctor of Acupuncture and Florida
grants the title Acupuncture Physician. However, the length of education
required for licensure is not substantially different for these
states than for many others.
A few states grant a licensure title such as Licensed Acupuncturist
but allow the use of DOM, OMD, Dr., or doctor under certain circumstances.
Most of these states require a doctorate from an approved or accredited
college in order to use the title.
As accredited doctorate programs develop, state associations and
legislators will respond differently to the new level of education.
Some state associations wish to move to doctorate as entry level.
Others want masters to remain entry level. Other states may keep
the current licensure title and allow practitioners with an accredited
doctorate to use the title doctor. A few states are discussing a
system containing licensed acupuncturists, licensed Oriental medical
doctors, licensed Chinese herbalists and licensed Asian bodywork
therapists under one Oriental medicine board.
It is unlikely that states with strict standards regarding use
of the title doctor will grandparent existing practitioners into
a licensure title of doctor. The argument that, "The attorneys
did it (JD and LLM)" ignores the fact that the educational
standards for the two titles were the same when they were combined.
That is not true in the Oriental medicine profession. The masters
and doctorate education will be different in length and depth if
not scope of study and practice, making grandparenting difficult
to justify to a legislature or the public.
Primary Care
At this time, only two states specify that acupuncture or Oriental
medicine providers are primary care, Florida and New Mexico. California
L.Ac.'s are primary care under Workers Compensation and, according
to a legal opinion, "primary care within their scope of practice."
One of the difficulties with any discussion of primary care is
that the definition of primary care differs substantially from state
to state. It can also vary within a state depending on whether you
are in a legal/liability or third party pay context.
In some arenas primary care provider means an independent practitioner
who practices without supervision, prior diagnosis or referral.
In others it means a practitioner who is the first contact or point
of entry. In still others it means the practitioner who makes the
allopathic diagnosis, directs all patient care, is liable for all
actions of all practitioners the patient subsequently encounters,
admits the patient to the hospital and signs birth and death certificates
(if applicable). The consequences of these different definitions
are significant.
When discussing primary care, two factors frequently are raised:
education and liability. At this time it is difficult to make an
argument that we are or should be primary care when the Accreditation
Commission standard for masters level is training for independent
practitioners, not primary care practitioners. With respect to liability,
given the huge responsibility and liability of the definition of
primary care in some states, many acupuncturists do not want to
be primary care providers. Since there are discussions even among
medical doctors regarding whether they wish to remain primary care,
this is not surprising.
Recognizing these issues, one suggestion that has been offered
is to use the terms primary acupuncture care provider and primary
Oriental medicine care provider to clarify that we are primary care
in our field, not in western medicine.
Chinese Herbology
At this time, nineteen states specifically include Chinese herbology
within their scope of practice. Of these, only five (Arkansas, California,
Florida, Nevada and Texas) mandate training and/or examination in
Chinese herbology for all applicants. Massachusetts has a separate
requirement for L.Ac.'s who use herbs and other states are considering
the same.
Very few of the bills currently under consideration in the new
states have herbs in their scope of practice. In many cases it has
been made clear to them, as it was in Arizona, Illinois and Nebraska,
that to include herbs would cause them to lose their bill. However,
again, the legislative strategy in many areas is to get legal first,
build a patient and political base next, and amend the statute later.
Prior Diagnosis or Referral
In 13 states, the statute requires some form of western medical
intervention prior to, or in conjunction with, Oriental medicine
treatment. This is usually referral or prior diagnosis by or collaboration
with an MD, DO, DDS or DC. New York requires that the acupuncturist
advise the patient as to the importance of consulting with a licensed
physician. This type of language is usually the result of unfamiliarity
with the safety record of the profession. This language is becoming
less popular with legislators who view this as a restriction on
consumer access. Medical boards are also increasingly scrutinizing
this language under the theory that it may place their licensees
in a legally vulnerable position by requiring them to supervise
or refer to a practice that is not included within their normal
professional training. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Iowa
and Virginia have removed these requirements from their law and
Pennsylvania and Texas have introduced bills to do so. In a new
twist, a recent amendment to the Rhode Island law requires that
medical doctors who do acupuncture must provide patients a statement
that the MD's qualifications to practice "medical acupuncture"
are not equivalent to those of a doctor of acupuncture.
New Applications, New Professionals and New Regulations
One of the newest aspects of the profession is the use of acupuncture
in the treatment of chemical dependency. At this time ten states
(New York, Connecticut, Texas, Arizona, Missouri, South Carolina,
Virginia, Georgia, Indiana and Tennessee) have passed statutes that
allow Acudetox Specialists (ADSs) to use the National Acupuncture
Detoxification Association five ear needle protocol to treat addictions.
Acudetox Specialists are individuals who are trained in chemical
dependency and the fundamentals of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Most statutes require ADSs to work in an approved chemical dependency
setting under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist or medical
doctor.
Conclusion
The incredible progress in state regulation in the last 25 years
is a tribute to the quality and enormous hard work of our practitioners,
colleges and state and national organizations. As we discuss our
vision of the future, we must take into account what is politically
and legislatively realistic, as well as closely examine the impact
on practitioners and patients of the roads that those before us
have chosen. We must also financially support our state and national
membership organizations so they have the resources to do their
work.
Barbara Mitchell is a licensed acupuncturist and an attorney. She
is the author of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Laws and the
Legislative Handbook for the Practice of Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine. She has worked with numerous states seeking initial legislation
or changes to existing laws and regulations. For further information
regarding the laws in each state, you may order the Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine Laws, 2001 Edition ($33 plus $4.95 shipping
and handling) or the Legislative Handbook ($18 plus $4.95 shipping
and handling) by calling 1-800-514-5956.
aomAlliance
6405 43rd Avenue Ct. NW Ste. B
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone: 253-851-6896, Fax: 253-851-6883
www.aomalliance.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Formal Schooling and Exam Requirements for the Practice
of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine The following is an outline
of formal schooling and examination requirements for licensure in
the various states. It does not provide complete information regarding
eligibility requirements. For example, some states require applicants
to graduate from an accredited college or fulfill an English language
requirement. A few recognize apprenticeship as a route to licensure;
most do not. For further information on state laws, you may wish
to order Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Laws (2001 Edition) ($33.00
plus Shipping & Handling) 1-800-345-1010.
Alabama
Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners
Larry D. Dixon, Executive Administrator
P.O. Box 946
Montgomery, AL 36101-0946
Tel: (334) 242-4116
Fax:(334) 242-4155
(800) 227-2606
www.albme.org
There is no practice act for acupuncturists. Only a medical doctor,
osteopath, chiropractor or physician's assistant may practice acupuncture
in Alabama. There are no specific training requirements to practice
acupuncture.
Alaska
Department of Community and Economic Development
Division of Occupational Licensing - Acupuncture
Ms. P.J. Gingras
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Tel: (907) 465-2695
Fax: (907) 465-2974
www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/
Formal Education Requirements: An applicant must have completed
a course of study consistent with the core curriculum and guidelines
of the ACAOM at a school approved by the department. Individuals
who graduated from a U.S. non-ACAOM school or are foreign trained
may be licensed to practice if licensed in another jurisdiction
that has licensing requirements equivalent to those of Alaska.
Exam: NCCAOM written exam in acupuncture.
Arizona
Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners
Ms. Deborah Malone
1400 W. Washington #230
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: (602) 542-3095
Fax: (602) 542-3093
Formal Education Requirements: Graduation from or completed training
in a board approved program of acupuncture with a minimum of 1850
hours that includes at least 800 hours of clinical. Written Exam:
An applicant must have been certified in acupuncture by the NCCAOM
or another certifying body or examination recognized by the board,
or licensed by another state with substantially similar standards.
Arkansas
Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques
12 Forest Circle
Little Rock, AR 72211
Phone: (501) 228-0644
www.state.ar.us/
Formal Education Requirements: Four year training, including 800
hours of supervised clinical, in acupuncture and related techniques
from a board approved institute that meets the minimum requirements
of a board approved national accrediting body.
Undergraduate Requirements: 60 semester credit hours of college
education, including a minimum of 30 semester credit hours in the
field of science.
Exam: NCCAOM written and practical exams in acupuncture.
California
Ms. Marilyn Nielsen
Department of Consumer Affairs,
California Acupuncture Board
444 N. 3rd Street, Suite 260
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 445-3021
Fax: (916) 445-3015
CA Relay Service:
TT/TDD-800/735-2929
www.acupuncture.ca.gov
Formal Education Requirements: An applicant must graduate from an
approved school and complete four academic years of education with
a minimum of 1548 hours of theory including biology, organic biochemistry,
physics, psychology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, nutrition
and vitamins (400 hours); history of medicine, medical terminology
(30 hours); clinical sciences such as internal medicine, pharmacology,
neurology, surgery and clinical medicine including dentistry, nursing,
chiropractic and homeopathy, western pharmacology and CPR (128 hours);
Tai Chi, Chi Kung, traditional Oriental medicine theory and diagnosis,
needling techniques, moxibustion, and acupressure (660 hours); herbology
(300 hours including botany); practice management and ethics (30
hours); and 800 hours of clinical training.
Exam: California administers its own exam, which includes herbology.
Examinations are offered in English, Chinese and Korean.
Colorado
Ms. Linda Fleming
Department of Regulatory Agencies
Office of Acupuncturists Registration
1560 Broadway, Suite 1545
Denver, CO 80202-5140
Tel: (303) 894-2464
Fax: (303) 894-7885
www.dora.state.co.us
Eligibility Requirements: An applicant must be NCCAOM certified
in acupuncture.
MD's, D.O.'s may practice acupuncture without any specialized training.
Chiropractors must be certified with 100 hours of theory and clinic,
plus an affidavit of 25 cases.
Connecticut
Ms. Norma Shea
Acupuncture Licensing Section
Department of Public Health
410 Capitol Ave.
MS #12 APP P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Tel: (860) 509-7562
Fax: (860) 509-8457
http://www.ct-clic.com/
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of a course of study in
acupuncture in a program which, at the time of graduation, was in
candidate status with or accredited by ACAOM and which included
a minimum of 1350 hours, 500 of which were clinical.
Written Exam: NCCAOM written and practical exam in acupuncture .
MD's, DC's, dentists and physical therapists are exempt from the
statute.
Delaware
Delaware Board of Medical Practice
Douglas J. Reed, Executive Director
P.O. Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903
Tel: (302) 739-4522
Fax:(302) 739-2711
It has not yet been determined whether acupuncture is the practice
of medicine. DC's are allowed to practice acupuncture with 100 hours
or more of certified training.
District of Columbia
Dr. Robert Vowels
Advisory Committee on Acupuncture
D.C. Board of Medicine
825 N. Capitol St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: (202) 442-9200/5888
Fax: (202) 442-9431
www.dchealth.com
Formal Education Requirements: Either completion of 3 academic years
of instruction in acupuncture including 500 hours of clinic or 2
academic years of instruction in a school for acupuncture plus 1500
hours of apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship: A tutorial must be at least three years with a minimum
of 4500 contact hours.
Exam: NCCAOM written exam in acupuncture or a practical exam administered
by the board.
Other: English language competency.
Florida
Ms. Letitia Morris
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Board of Acupuncture
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-32560761
Tel: (850) 245-4161 ext. 4588
Fax: (850) 921-6184
http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/mqaservices/
Formal Education Requirements: Three year course of study in acupuncture
and Oriental medicine. Effective July 1, 2001, four year course
of study in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, which includes western
anatomy, western physiology, western pathology, western biomedical
terminology, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Any person who enrolled in an authorized course of study in acupuncture
before August 1, 1997, must have completed only a 2-year course
of study including western anatomy, western physiology, and western
pathology. The rules require 330 hours of biomedical clinical science
(including 90 hours of pathology, 120 hours of anatomy and physiology,
and 120 hours of western biomedical and diagnostic terminology);
1,155 hours of traditional Oriental acupuncture diagnosis and treatment
(including 705 hours of Oriental medical theory, diagnosis and treatment
in acupuncture and related studies and 450 hours of herbal studies);
30 hours of adjunctive therapies, 200 hours electives of adjunctive
therapies; 660 hours of supervised clinical experience; 15 hours
of universal precautions; 3 hours of HIV/AIDS, and 20 hours in Florida
statutes and rules.
Undergraduate Requirements: 60 college credits.
Exam: NCCAOM written and practical exam in acupuncture.
There are no requirements for medical doctors or osteopaths to
practice acupuncture. Chiropractors may practice acupuncture with
100 hours training.
Georgia
Ms. Karen Mason
Georgia Board of Medical Examiners
2 Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 656-3913
Fax: (404) 656-9723
Eligibility Requirements: NCCAOM certification in acupuncture, completion
of a national recognized clean needle technique course approved
by the board and obtain professional liability insurance in the
amount of at least $100,000/$300,000.
There are no requirements for medical doctors to practice acupuncture,
though they cannot call themselves "acupuncturists". Chiropractors
must become licensed acupuncturists to practice acupuncture.
Hawaii
Ms. Christine Rutkowski
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
Board of Acupuncture
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Tel: (808) 586-3000
(application information)
www.state.hi.us/dcca
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of an ACAOM approved program
or a foreign program approved by the board of at least 2,175 hours
including 660 hours of clinical. Written Exam: NCCAOM written examination.
MD's, D.O.'s, Physician's Assistants, and Chiropractors must all
conform to the above regulations.
Idaho
Ms. Dee Ann Randall
Idaho State Board of Acupuncture
Bureau of Occupational Licenses
1109 Main St., Suite 220
Boise, ID 83702-5642
Tel: (208) 334-3233
Fax: (208) 334-3945
www2.state.id.us/ibol/acu.htm
Eligibility Requirements: An applicant must meet NCCAOM eligibility
criteria for certification in acupuncture or similar requirements
approved by the Board; successfully complete an acupuncture internship
or equivalent experience approved by the Board and obtain a passing
grade on an examination (i.e. NCCAOM) or other demonstration of
proficiency as requested by the Board.
Illinois
Ms. Alicia Purchase
Technical Assistance Unit
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
320 W. Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Tel: (217)782-8556
Fax: (217) 782-7645
TDD: (217) 524-6735
www.dpr.state.il.us
Eligibility Requirements: NCCAOM certification in acupuncture.
MD's, D.O.'s and Chiropractors may practice acupuncture without
any specific training. Dentists can practice too. Even nurses can
do it with training (which is not specifically defined, under a
doctor's orders).
Indiana
Ms. Angela Smith-Jones, J.D.
Health Professions Bureau
402 W. Washington, Room 041
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317)232-2960
Fax: (317) 233-4236
www.state.in.us/hpb/
Formal Education Requirements: Successful completion of a three
year postsecondary training program or acupuncture college program
that is accredited by, in candidate for accreditation or meets the
standards of ACAOM.
Other: Current active NCCAOM certification.
Iowa
Ms. Amy Van Maaen
Iowa Board of Medical Examiners
400 SW 8th Street, Ste. C
Des Moines, IA 50309-4686
Tel: (515)281-6489
Fax: (515)242-5908
http://www.docboard.org/ia/ia_home.htm
email: avanmaa@bon.state.ia.us
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of three years of education
from an acupuncture school accredited by ACAOM or approved by the
board.
Other: English language competency.
Exam: NCCAOM written and practical examination in acupuncture.
MD., D.O., D.C., Podiatrists, and Dentists are allowed to practice
acupuncture without any additional training. Chiropractors are allowed
to practice acupuncture but is unknown what kind of training, if
any is required for them.
Kansas
Board of Healing Arts
Lawrence Buening, Jr., J.D.
Executive Director
235 SW Topeka Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66603-3068
Tel:(785) 296-7413
Fax:(785) 296-0852
www.ksbha.org
MD's, D.O.'s, Podiatrists can practice acupuncture. No additional
training is required by law. Physician's assistants may practice
acupuncture if authorized by the physician.
Acupuncturists may practice under the supervision of, by order of
or referral by a M.D., D.O., or D.C.
Kentucky
Board of Medical Licensure
C. William Schmidt, Executive Director
Hurstbourne Office Park
310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 1B
Louisville, KY 40222-4916
Tel:(502) 429-8046
Fax:(502) 429-9923
www.state.ky.us/agencies/kbml
The practice of acupuncture constitutes the practice of medicine
and as such may only be engaged in by licensed physicians. Licensed
physicians may not employ unlicensed practitioners and therefore
may not supervise acupuncturists.
Louisiana
Ms. Sandra Broussard
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
630 Camp St.
P. O. Box 30250
New Orleans, LA 70112-1449
Tel: (504) 568-6820 ext. 227
Fax: (504) 599-0503
www.lsbme.org
Educational Requirements for Md.'s & D.O.'s: six months of training
in traditional Chinese acupuncture in a school or clinic approved
by the board.
Education Requirements: Completion of 36 months of training (the
title is 'Acupuncture Assistant').
Return to States Menu Exam: None.
Maine
Ms. Geraldine L. Betts (Administrator)
or Linda S. Harris
Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
Office of Licensing and Registration
#35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Tel: (207) 624-8603
Fax: (207) 624-8637
TDD: (207) 624-8563
www.state.me.us/pfr/led/acupunct/index.htm
email: jeri.l.betts@state.me.us
Formal Education Requirements: A minimum of 1,000 hours of at an
institution approved by the board and 300 hours of clinical experience.
Undergraduate Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited
institution of high learning, a license from the State to practice
as a registered professional nurse or successful completion of the
training program and any competency examination required by the
Board of Licensure in Medicine to be qualified as a physician's
assistant.
Exam: NCCAOM written acupuncture examination in English.
Md.'s and Physician's Assistants may practice acupuncture with
no further training. Chiropractors can with 100 hours of training
in acupuncture.
Maryland
Ms. Penny Heisler
State Board of Acupuncture
Room 320
4201 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-4766
Toll Free: (800) 530-2481
Fax: (410) 358-7258
www.dhmh.state.md.us/bacc
email: heislerp@dhmh.state.md.us
Formal Education Requirements: Graduation from a course of training
of at least 1,800 hours, including 300 clinical hours, approved
by the Maryland Higher Education Commission or ACAOM or found by
the Board to be equivalent.
Other: English language competency.
Exam: Passage of the NCCAOM examination in acupuncture is one route
of eligibility. No other education or training need be documented.
The NCCAOM exam is not required for applicants who meet the educational
requirements.
Massachusetts
Mrs. Ann Marie Casey
Board of Registration in Medicine, Acupuncture Unit
560 Harrison Avenue - G4
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: (617) 654-9869
www.massmedboard.org/acupuncture.htm
Formal Education Requirements: An applicant must graduate from a
committee approved acupuncture school with a minimum of 1350 clinical/didactic
hours combined, including 100 hours of clinic with sole responsibility
for diagnosis and treatment of patients. If the school is in the
U.S., District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or a U.S. territory, it
must be accredited by or in candidacy status with ACAOM. An applicant
must have 30 hours of Committee of Acupuncture approved herbal training.
Undergraduate Requirements: Two academic years at an accredited
university/college, including courses in human anatomy and physiology
and general biology (3 semester hours of each).
Other: English language competency.
Exam: NCCAOM written and practical exam in acupuncture.
Note: A licensee who wishes to use herbal therapy, patent or raw
herbs, must obtain Committee approval by submitting evidence of
(1) completion of a ACAOM accredited or candidate status oriental
medicine program; (2) completion of an herbal medicine program offered
by a ACAOM accredited or candidate school that meets ACAOM curriculum
requirements regarding herbal medicine or (3) completion of an herbal
program which the Committee on Acupuncture deems is substantially
equivalent to or exceeds the ACAOM curriculum requirements regarding
herbal medicine as described in the ACAOM Accreditation Handbook.
Michigan
Acupuncture has been determined to be the practice of medicine
by the Attorney General. This, only medical doctors and osteopaths
may practice of supervise acupuncture. This isn't so much a law
but a decision made by a court (#4832 to be exact). There is no
law regulating the practice of acupuncture in Michigan.
There are no separate training requirements for medical doctors
or osteopaths to practice acupuncture other than their medical education
and training.
A medical doctor or osteopath may supervise an acupuncturist if
the medical doctor first examines the patient and determines that
acupuncture is the treatment of choice. The medical doctor is responsible
for all delegated acts.
Acupuncture is not within the scope of practice of a chiropractor.
Minnesota
Ms. Jeanne Hoffman
Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
University Park Plaza
2829 University Ave. SE - Ste 400
Minneapolis, MN 55414-3246
Tel: (612) 617-2130
Fax: (612) 617-2166
www.state.mn.us/cgi-bin/portal/mn/jsp/home.do?agency=BMP
Eligibility Requirements: NCCAOM certification.
MD's, D.O.'s and DC's can practice acupuncture. No training is
required.
Mississippi
Acupuncture may be performed in the state of Mississippi only by
a physician licensed to practice medicine or surgery, or a dentist
licensed to practice dentistry in the state.
An acupuncturist may not practice under the supervision of an M.D.,
or a D.O.
Missouri
Ms. Lori Kesler or Ms. Jeanette Stuenkel
State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
P.O. Box 672
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0672
Tel: (573) 751-2104/2410
Fax: (573) 751-0735
www.ecodev.state.mo.us/pr/
Eligibility Requirements: NCCAOM certification.
A chiropractor may practice with 100 hours of training. And a passing
grade of the acupuncture board exam.
Montana
Ms. Evi Martin
Department of Commerce
Board of Medical Examiners
P.O. Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513
Tel: (406) 841-2364
Fax: (406) 841-2305
Formal Education Requirements: Graduation from an ACAOM approved
program.
Exam: NCCAOM written exam in acupuncture.
MD's, D.O.'s, podiatrists and chiropractors must also pass the
NCCAOM examination.
Nebraska
Formal Education Requirements: Graduation from a formal full-time
acupuncture program, approved by the board, of at least 1725 hours
(1000 hours didactic and 500 hours clinical).
Exam: An acupuncture exam approved by the board (no regulations
set and exam not yet determined).
Nevada
Ms. Patricia O'Rourke Langston
Nevada State Board of Oriental Medicine
900 E. Karen Street, Suite B203
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tel: (702) 486-7280
Fax: (702) 486-7281
www.oriental_medicine.state.nv.us
Formal Education Requirements: For the DOM, completion of a 3 year
course in acupuncture or a four year course in traditional Oriental
medicine.
Other Eligibility Requirements: English speaking ability is required
for licensure as a doctor of Oriental medicine.
Written Exam: NCCAOM acupuncture written and practical exam, as
well as Chinese herbology.
New Hampshire
Ms. Janet Simpson, Administrator
New Hampshire Board of Acupuncture Licensing
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Program Support
129 Pleasant Street, Brown Building
Concord, NH 03301-3857
Tel: (603)271-0277
Fax: (603) 271-5590
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of an ACAOM or board approved
program. All applicants that have graduated from a non-ACAOM program
must complete a college level course in anatomy and physiology.
Undergraduate Requirements: An applicant must have a baccalaureate,
registered nurse or physicians assistant degree from an accredited
institution. Apprenticeship: Applications for apprenticeship will
be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Written Exam: Current, active NCCAOM certification in acupuncture.
New Jersey
Mr. Ronald Calderon
Board of Medical Examiners
Acupuncture Examining Board
140 East Front Street,
2nd Floor, Box 183
Trenton, NJ 08608
Tel: (609) 826-7100
Fax: (609) 984 -3930
www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/medical.htm
Formal Education Requirements: A baccalaureate degree and completion
of a board-approved 2 year course of study or a board approved two-year
program of acupuncture.
Apprenticeship: An applicant must show successful completion of
a board-approved tutorial program of no less than two nor more than
four calendar years. The program must be in New Jersey and the preceptor
must have seven years experience prior to the beginning of the apprenticeship.
A maximum of two students is set.
Other: English language competency.
Exam: NCCAOM exam written and practical in English and NJ practical
exam .
New Mexico
Ms. Rosemarie Ortiz
New Mexico Board of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504
Tel: (505) 476-7081
Fax: (505) 476-7095
www.rld.state.nm.us
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of 2400 clock hours including
1100 hours of didactic in acupuncture and oriental medicine and
a minimum of 900 hours of supervised clinical practice. Written
Exam: NCCAOM acupuncture written and practical exam, as well as
Chinese herbology. New Mexico administers a jurisprudence and practical
exam.
M.d.'s, Chiropractors can practice acupuncture, though they cannot
call themselves "acupuncturists". Chiropractors can do
acupuncture but they have to call it "meridian therapy".
MD's can practice acupuncture with no specific training.
New York
Ms. Ronnie Hausheer
NY State Board for Acupuncture
Room 3103
Cultural Educational Center
Albany, NY 12230
Tel: (518) 473-0221
Fax: (518) 473-6282
www.op.nysed.gov/acupun.htm
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of 4050 Carnegie hours
(equivalent to a 1050 hour, three year program).
Undergraduate Requirements: 60 semester hours including 9 semester
hours of biosciences.
Other Eligibility Requirements: English language competency.
Written Exam: NCCAOM written and practical exam in acupuncture.
North Carolina
Ms. Diana Mills
North Carolina Acupuncture
Licensing Board
893 US Highway 70 W, Suite 202
Garner, NC 27529-2597
Tel: (919) 773-0530
Fax: (919) 779-5642
www.ncaaom.org/license_req.php
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of a 3 year ACAOM accredited
or candidate program or, if outside the U.S., approved by the California
Acupuncture Committee.
Exam: NCCAOM written and practical exam in acupuncture.
North Dakota
MD's and D.O.'s alone are allowed to practice acupuncture. No training
is required. Chiropractors can practice acupuncture with an additional
100 hours training. There is an interesting loophole that says that
its okay to perform acupuncture if its part of a religious ceremony
as a form or worship, devotion or healing where no drugs or medicines
are prescribed and no surgical or physical operations are performed.
It is unknown if the insertion of a needle is considered surgery.
Ohio
Mr. Tom Dilling, J.D., Director
77 S. High Street, 17th Floor
Ohio State Medical Board
Columbus, OH 43266-0315
Phone: (614) 466-3934
Fax: (614) 728-5946
www.state.oh.us/med/
Eligibility Requirements: Current, active NCCAOM Diplomate in Acupuncture.
Oklahoma
MD's and D.O.'s alone are allowed to practice acupuncture. No training
is required. Supervision of an acupuncturist by an M.D. is not allowed.
Chiropractors can practice acupuncture with additional training.
Oregon
Ms. Diana Dolstra
Board of Medical Examiners
620 Crown Plaza
1500 SW First Avenue
Portland, OR 97201-5770
Tel: (503) 229-5770
Fax: (503) 229-6543
www.bme.state.or.us
Oregon has three routes of eligibility:
1) Graduation from an acupuncture program that has been granted
accreditation or candidacy status by the ACAOM, or from a program
evaluated to be equivalent by the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization,
as approved by the Board, and NCCAOM certification in acupuncture,
(Note: does not have to be current.)
2) Experience: (a) Five years of licensed clinical acupuncture practice
prior to July 1, 1998, (b) practice as a licensed acupuncturist
in the U.S. during five of the last seven years prior to application,
including clinical practice, clinical supervision, teaching, research
and other work as approved by the Board within the field of acupuncture
and oriental medicine, (c) current NCCAOM certification and (d)
successful completion of the ACAOM western medicine requirements
(360 hours) in effect on July 1, 1998.
3) Applicants whose acupuncture training and diploma were obtained
in a foreign country and documentation of such cannot be obtained,
may be considered eligible for licensure if it is established to
the satisfaction of the board that the applicant has equivalent
skills and training and can document one year of training or supervised
practice under a licensed acupuncturist in the U.S.
Other: English language.
Pennsylvania
Ms. Gina Bittner
Board of Osteopathic Examiners
Board of Medical Examiners
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Tel: (717) 783-4858
Fax: (717) 787-7769
Formal Education Requirements: Graduates of U.S. programs must show
two academic years of acupuncture training plus two academic years
of a college level educational program. Graduates of foreign programs
must "graduate from a college with a program of study including
Oriental medicine and document 300 class hours of study in acupuncture
training." The rules require that the acupuncture program "has
been approved by the Board or by an accrediting body recognized
by the Board." The Board has recognized ACAOM.
Other: English language competency.
Written Exam: NCCAOM written exam in acupuncture.
MD's can practice acupuncture provided they complete a 200 hour
CEU training program.
Rhode Island
Mr. Russell J. Spaight
Department of Health and
Professional Regulations
Cannon Building - Three Capitol Hill,
Room 104
Providence, RI 02908
Tel: (401) 222-2827
Fax: (401) 222-1272
Formal Education: ACAOM approved program of at least 36 months and
not less than 2500 hours
Other: English language competency.
Exam: NCCAOM written exam in acupuncture.
MD's can practice acupuncture with 300 hours additional training.
South Carolina
Ms. Annette Disher
Department of Labor
Licensing and Regulation
Board of Medical Examiners
110 Centerview Dr., Suite 202
P.O. Box 11289
Columbia, SC 29211-1289
Tel: (803) 896-4500
Fax: (803) 896-4500
www.llr.state.sc.us
Eligibility Requirements: NCCAOM certification in acupuncture.
MD's, dentists, and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture with no additional
training.
South Dakota
Chiropractors can practice acupuncture with the completion of a
100 hour course and 100 hours CEU in the two years following certification.
Tennessee
Ms. Marsha Arnold
Tennessee Advisory Committee for Acupuncture
Cordell Hull Building, 1st Floor
425 5th Ave. North
Nashville, TN 37247-1010
Phone: (615) 532-4384
Fax: (615) 253-4484
www.state.tn.us/health
Formal education requirements: Graduation from a 3 year ACAOM accredited
or candidate program or one that meets ACAOM's standards.
Other: Current, active NCCAOM certification in acupuncture.
Texas
Mr. Tim Speer
Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
P.O. Box 2018, MC-231
Austin, TX 78768-2018
Tel: (512) 305-7067
Fax: (512) 463-9416
www.tsbme.state.tx.us
Formal Education Requirements: Graduation from a board approved
school of not less than 1800 instructional hours including anatomy-histology,
bacteriology, physiology, symptomatology, pathology, meridian and
point locations, hygiene, and public health. If the school is in
the U.S. it must be be ACAOM accredited or in candidacy status.
Foreign schools must be substantially equivalent.
Undergraduate Requirements: 60 semester hours.
Exams: NCCAOM written and practical examination in acupuncture and
Chinese herbology.
MD's and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture with no additional training.
Chiropractors can practice with additional training.
Utah
Licensing Specialists
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
160 East 300 South, Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Tel: (801) 530-6740
www.commerce.state.ut.us
Eligibility Requirements: NCCAOM certification plus a Utah laws
and rules exam.
Vermont
Ms. Peggy Atkins, Staff Assistant
Office of Professional Regulation
26 Terrace St., Drawer 09
Montpelier, VT 05609-1106
Tel: (802) 828-2373
Fax: (802) 828-2465
www.vtprofessionals.org
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of a 3 year program in
acupuncture and Oriental medicine with a minimum of 800 hours of
supervised clinical practice Other Eligibility Requirements: An
applicant may apply based on documentation of earning 40 points:
10 points for self-directed study equivalent to one year of full-time
academic study in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (maximum 2 years
or 20 points); 10 points for each 1,000 contact hours of apprenticeship
(maximum 13.5 points per year) and 5 points for each six month period
of completed academic study (maximum 20 points).
Exam: NCCAOM written examination in acupuncture.
Virginia
Ms. Ola Powers or
Ms. Debbie Ordiway
Virginia Board of Medicine
6606 W. Broad Street, 4th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1717
Tel: (804) 662-7423
Fax: (804) 662-9517
www.dhp.state.va.us
Formal Education Requirements: Applicants who graduated from a ACAOM
accredited school must document 1000 hours with 700 didactic and
250 clinical hours in no less than 18 months. Individuals who graduated
after July 1, 1990 must document 90 semester credit hours of full
time study. An applicant who graduated from a school not accredited
by ACAOM must have completed at least a two year course of study
and have practiced at least four years of practice in the previous
seven years as a licensed acupuncturist in another jurisdiction.
Other: English language competency (unless the majority of the acupuncturist's
clients speak the language of the practitioner).
Exam: NCCAOM written and practical acupuncture exam in acupuncture.
MD's, D.O.'s, Chiropractors, and Podiatrists can practice acupuncture
following 200 hours of instruction. Podiatrists can only treat pain
syndromes originating in the human foot.
Washington
Ms. Tammy Benson
Department of Health
1112 SE Quince Street
P.O. Box 47868
Olympia, WA 98504-7868
Tel: (360) 236-4858
Fax: (360) 236-4922
https://wws2.wa.gov/doh/hpqa-licensing/ HPS3/Acupuncture/default.htm
email: Tammy.Benson@doh.wa.gov
Formal Education Requirements: Two years of academic coursework
including 45 academic credits of western science (450 hours) including
anatomy, physiology, bacteriology, biochemistry, pathology, hygiene,
CPR and a survey of western clinical sciences. Clinical work must
include 100 hours of observation and at least 400 patient treatments
with 100 different patients.
Other: English language competency.
Exam: NCCAOM written and practical in acupuncture.
MD's and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture with no additional training.
West Virginia
Darrill E. Samples
Board Secretary
P.O. Box 252
Huntington, WV 25707-0252
Tel: (304) 529-4558
Fax: (304) 529-3710
www.state.wv.us/acupuncture
Formal Education Requirements: Graduation from an ACAOM approved
program.
Apprenticeship: Completion of an apprenticeship consisting of at
least 2700 hours within a five year period under an individual approved
by that jurisdiction to perform acupuncture.
Exam: Achievement of a passing score on the NCCAOM acupuncture examination
or on an examination. determined by the Board to be equivalent.
MD's can practice acupuncture with no additional training. Chiropractors
can practice after 100 hours of training.
Wisconsin
Ms. Kimberly M. Nania, Director
Department of Regulation and Licensing
Bureau of Health Service Professions
Acupuncture Certification
P.O. Box 8935
1400 E. Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53708-8935
Tel: (608) 266-2112
Fax: (608) 261-7083
www.drl.state.wi.us/
Formal Education Requirements: Completion of a course of study of
at least 2 years at a school accredited by ACAOM.
Exam: NCCAOM exam in acupuncture.
MD's, D.O.'s, Podiatrists and Physician's Assistants can practice
acupuncture without additional training. Chiropractors cannot practice
acupuncture without receiving the same training as listed above
for acupuncturists.
Wyoming
Acupuncture is not regulated in Wyoming.
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