Acupuncture Laws by State


The information that follows was taken from the 1995 Edition of "Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Laws" To obtain your own copy, please contact: National Acupuncture Foundation
1718 M Street, Suite 195
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 332-5794
or, see the book's web page!

Abbreviations you'll see a lot on this page:

ACAOM is the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

NCCA stands for the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists.

PEPLS stands for Practical Examination of Point Locations Skills.

CNT stands for Clean Needle Technique.

NACSCAOM is The National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This is their old name. Their new name is the ACAOM or Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

D.O. stands for the Doctor of Osteopathy.

If your state doesn't currently allow the practice of acupuncture or Oriental Medicine, we at Acupuncture.com invite you to write a suggestion letter to either the contact listed or the board if that's all the information I had.

The information that follows may be a little behind the times. It's the most current information we have available at this time, but for more information we urge you to contact the State regulatory agency listed for your state.


Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
NorthDakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming


Alabama

There are about 30 chiropractors practicing acupuncture in Alabama.

Contact: State Board of Medical Examiners

There is no practice act for acupuncturists. Only a medical doctor, osteopath, chiropractor or physician's assistant may practice acupuncture in Alabama. Only the chiropractor must take 100 hours of acupuncture coursework to practice. There are no specific training requirements for any of the others listed above to practice acupuncture.


Alaska

There are 14 Licensed Acupuncturists in Alaska.

Contact:
Ms. P.J. Gingras
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
Division of Occupational Licensing - Acupuncture
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0806
(907) 465-2695

Educational Requirements: By statute an applicant must have "completed a course of study consistent with the core curriculum and guidelines of the National Council of Acupuncture Schools and Colleges at a school approved by the department." NCCA certification is required.


Arizona

Contact: State Board of Medical Examiners.
There is no practice act for acupuncturists. MD's, Naturopaths, Homeopathic physicians and osteopaths can practice acupuncture. Chiropractors and Physician's Assistants can practice if certified by the board. This requires at least 50 credit hours of study.


Arkansas

Contact: State Medical Board.
There is no licensing board for acupuncture and there has been no ruling regarding whether acupuncture falls with the definition of the practice of medicine.


California

There are 3,049 actively licensed acupuncturists in California.

Contact:
Marilyn Nielsen, Executive Officer
Department of Consumer Affairs
Medical Board, Acupuncture Committee
1424 Howe Ave. Suite 37
Sacramento, CA 95825-3233
(916) 263-2680

Eligibility 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 Western science, clinical medicine, TCM theory, diagnosis, Chi Kung, needling techniques, moxibustion, and acupressure, herbology, practice management and ethics, and 800 hours of clinical training.

Examination Requirements: California administers its own exam which includes herbology.

Acupuncture is within the scope of practice of medical doctors, though no training is required. Physician's Assistants can perform acupuncture under a supervising physician.

The Califonia Acupuncture Act
The California Acupuncture Regulations


Colorado

There are 400 Registered Acupuncturists in the state of Colorado.

Contact: Ms. Ouida Magee
Department of Regulatory Agencies
office of Acupuncturists Registration
1560 Broadway, Suite 1310
Denver, CO 80202 - 5140
(303) 894-7758 #301

Educational and Examination Requirements: NCCA certification is required. New applicants for NCCA certification through formal schooling must complete 1350 hours of entry-level acupuncture education which must include 800 academic and 500 clinical hours.

MD's, D.O.'s may practice acupuncture without any specialized training. Chiropractors must be certified with 100 hours of theory and clinic.


Connecticut

Contact: Norma Shea
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Department of Public Health
410 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
tel: (860)509-7562

Educational and Examination Requirements: Acupuncturists must complete 50 semester hours of postsecondary education successfully complete an acupuncture course of study in a program which is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Dept of Education and includes at least 1350 didactic and clinical training, 500 of which is clinical.

Examination Requirements: DPHAS presrcribed exam (Uses NCCA)
Clean needle technique board exam.


Delaware

Contact: Board of Medical Practice

Only MD's and osteopaths (under an MD's supervision) can perform acupuncture. No training is required.


District of Columbia

There are 42 Acupuncturists in the District of Columbia.

Contact:
Mr. Keith L. Keemer
Advisory Committee on Acupuncture
D.C. Board of Medicine
605 G. Street. NW. Room LL 202
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-5365

Educational and Examination Requirements: An applicant must show either completion of either three academic years of instruction in acupuncture including 500 hours of clinic, or two academic years of instruction in a school for acupuncture plus 1500 hours of apprenticeship. The applicant must them pass the NCCA exam.


Florida

There are 850 Certified Acupuncturists in Florida.

Contact: Penny Perkins
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Board of Acupuncture
Northwood Centre
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0761
(904) 488-6015

Examination Requirements:Florida accepts NCCA certification.

There are no requirements for medical doctors or osteopaths to practice acupuncture. Chiropractors may practice acupuncture with 100 hours training.

The Florida Acupuncture Practice Act


Georgia

Contact: Composite State Board of Medical Examiners.

Only physicians may practice acupuncture in Georgia. 100 hours of training are required.
And don't get caught speeding there, either.


Hawaii

There are 276 Licensed Acupuncturists practicing in Hawaii.

Contact:
Ms. Charlene Kaninau Tamanaha
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
Board of Acupuncture
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, Hawaii 96801
(808) 586-2698

Examination Requirements:Hawaii accepts NCCA certification.

MD's, D.O.'s, Physician's Assistants, and Chiropractors must all conform to the above regulations.


Idaho

Contact: State Board of Medicine.

Acupuncture is not regulated in the state of Idaho.


Illinois

Contact: Department of Registration and Education.

Examination Requirements:Illinois accepts NCCA certification or its equivalent.

The patient will need a written prescription from an MD, DO, DC or dentist before visiting a licensed acupuncturist. MD's, D.O.'s, Chiropractors and even dentists may practice acupuncture without any specific training.


Indiana

Contact: Health Professions Bureau

MD's and D.O.'s only can practice acupuncture. It has not been determined whether a medical doctor or D.O. can supervise an acupuncturist.


Iowa

There are not yet any Registered Acupuncturists in the state of Iowa.

Contact:
Ann Martino
Iowa Board of Medical Examiners
1209 E. Court Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0180
(515) 281-5171

Educational Requirements and Examination Requirements : The NCCA comprehensive examination including the acupuncture theory and clean needle technique portions are required as is the NCCA PEPLS exam.

Patients must first see an Md., D.O., D.C., Podiatrists, or Dentist. The above Western disciplines are also allowed to practice acupuncture without any additional training.


Kansas

Contact: State Board of Healing Arts.

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 or or referral by a M.D., D.O., or D.C.


Kentucky

Contact: State Board of Medicine

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

There are two practitioners of acupuncture currently licensed in Lousiana.

Contact:
Ms. M. Glasper
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
830 union Street, Suite 100
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-1449
(504) 524-6763

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.

Educational Requirements for Acupuncture Assistant: 36 months training in a school or clinic of traditional Chinese acupuncture approved by the board.


Maine

There are 45 Licensed Acupuncturists in the State of Maine.

Contact:
Ms. Diane J. Bradstreet
Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation
Division of Licensing and Enforcement, State House Station #35
Augusta, Maine 04333
(207) 582-8723

Examination Requirements: NCCA exam is accepted. Md.'s and Physician's Assistants may practice acupuncture with no further training. Chiropractors can with 100 hours of training in acupuncture.


Maryland

There are 259 Registered Acupuncturists in the state of Maryland.

Contact:
Ms. Penny Heisler
State Board of Acupuncture
Room 513
4201 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 764-4766

Educational Requirements. An applicant need only provide evidence of having completed satisfactorily a course of training in acupuncture approved by the Maryland State Board of Higher Education, approved by ACAOM, or found by the Board to be equivalent to a course approved by ACAOM. Or, an applicant may qualify for licensing after successful completion of an apprenticeship in another state consisting of at least 2,700 hours within a five year period. Restrictions apply. An applicant need not take an examination if she/he has met these educational qualifications.

Examination Requirements: NCCA certification is accepted.

Use of Titles: An acupuncturist must wear a tag designating him or herself as a "Registered Acupuncturist" while doing treatment and may not use the word "doctor" unless he or she is currently a physician. (It is further suggested, by the makers of Acupuncture.com, that if the Registered Acupuncturist really wants to feel important, a spiffy white lab coat with a stethascope draped over the neck will usually do the trick.)


Massachusetts

There are 434 Licensed Acupuncturists in the state of Massachusetts.

Contact:
Mrs. Ann Marie Casey
Board of Registration in Medicine
Acupuncture Unit
10 West Street 3d Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
(617)727-3086 #363

Examination Requirements: NCCA certification accepted.

An acupuncturist may "commence acupuncture treatments on a patient only after the acupuncturists has on file a written letter of referral or a written diagnosis from a physician, D.O., or dentist duly registered in the commonwealth (of Massachusetts)." MD's and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture. No training is required.


Michigan

Contact: Board of Medicine.

MD's and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture. No training is required. They can also supervise an acupuncturist. It is unclear as to what denotes an acupuncturist in the state of Michigan.


Minnesota

Contact: Board of Medical Practice.

MD's and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture. No training is required. Chiropractors can practice acupuncture provided they take 100 hours of additional training.


Mississippi

Contact: State Board of Medical Licensure.

MD's, dentists and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture. No additional training is required, although it is recommended. An acupuncturist may not practice under the supervision of an M.D., or D.O.


Missouri

There are 341 Chiropractors practicing acupuncture in the "Show Me a needle" state of Missouri.

Contact: State Board of Medical Examiners.

MD's and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture. No training is required. Acupuncturists can work under the supervision of MD's or D.O.'s. Chiropractors can practice acupuncture provided they take 100 hours of additional training.


Montana

There are 68 Certified Acupuncturists in the Big Sky Country of Montana. Presumably, they practice beneath a roof.

Contact:
Ms. Patrician England
Department of Commerce
board of Medical Examiners
111 N. Jackson,
P.O. Box 200513
Helena, Montana 59620-0513
(406) 444-1988

Examination Requirement: NCCA certification required.

MD's, D.O.'s, podiatrists and chiropractors must also pass the NCCA examination.


Nebraska

Contact: State Board of Examiners in Medicine and Surgery.

MD's and D.O.'s alone are allowed to practice acupuncture. No training is required. M.D.'s cannot supervise a practicing acupuncturist.


Nevada

There are 30 Doctors of Oriental Medicine and Assistants in Acupuncture.

Contact:
Dr. William M. Edwards
Nevada State Board of Oriental Medicine
434 10th Street
Sparks, Nevada 89431
(702) 359-7025

Educational Requirements: To be a D.O.M. in Nevada, an applicant must have successfully completed a three year course in acupuncture or a four year course in traditional Oriental medicine and have practiced acupuncture and herbal medicine for six years.

Educational Requirements: To be an assistant in acupuncture, an applicant must have successfully completed a three year course in acupuncture no experience is required. However, there are two more levels of licensing, one is the "Acupuncturist" and the other is Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Once you have practiced under the supervising Doctor of Oriental Medicine for six years you can become an acupuncturist. It is unclear as to what or how one becomes a Doctor of Oriental Medicine in Nevada. Please contact the Board for more information.

Examination Requirements: Nevada gives its own examination. MD's can practice acupuncture if he/she has received "adequate training."


New Hampshire

Contact: State Board of Registration.

MD's and D.O.'s alone are allowed to practice acupuncture. No training is required. Supervision of a practicing acupuncturist is not allowed.

There is news coming of a change in the laws of New Hampshire. Apparently, Naturopathic Doctors are now able to practice acupuncture. We don't yet have the specifics on this, or any other changes, but if you're looking for up-to-date info for New Hampshire, please contact your State Board of Registration.


New Jersey

There are 45 Certified Acupuncturists.

Contact:
Mr. Morris Eugene
Board of Medical Examiners
Department of Law and Public Safety
Acupuncture Examining Board
28 W. State Street Room 602
Trenton, New Jersey 08608
(609) 292-4843

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree and have successfully completed a board approved two year course of study or a board approved two year program of a school of acupuncture. Schools are limited to those accredited or admitted to candidacy by ACAOM.

Examination Requirements: NCCA certification for written the portion, or New Jersey's state sponsored written, plus New Jersey's practical examination.

The initial acupuncture treatment shall only be performed with a referral or diagnosis from a physician.

MD's and dentists can practice acupuncture, but cannot call themselves acupuncturists until passing the above described tests.


New Mexico

There are 270 Doctors of Oriental Medicine in New Mexico.

Contact:
Ms. Lynn Schmolke
New Mexico Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
(505) 827-7180

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants who begin their education after September 30, 1993 must have completed 2400 clock hours of classes including a minimum of 1100 didactic education in acupuncture and oriental medicine and a minimum of 900 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Examination Requirements: The NCCA written exam and PEPLS exams are required, along with the New Mexico sponsored practical exam.

M.d.'s, Chiropractors can practice acupuncture with no additional training, though they cannot call themselves "acupuncturists".


New York

Since 1976, NYS has licensed more than 500 Licensed acupuncturists. These are non-physician acupuncturists. In addition, they have certified 652 physicians to practice acupuncture.

Contact:
Ms. Ronnie Hausheer
State Board for Acupuncture
State Education Department
Cultural Educational Center Room 3013
Albany, New York 12230
(518) 473-0221

Eligibility Requirements: For licensure of non-physician acupuncturists in NYS, they require completion of a program of 4050 clock hours (Most 3-year ACAOM-accredited programs meet this requirement.) In addition, an individual must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university (or the equivalent), including 9 semester hours in the biosciences. We also require course work in anatomy, pathology and physiology. Finally, as with all the licensed professions in NYS, proof of English proficiency is required.


North Carolina

There are 75 Licensed Acupuncturists in North Carolina.

Contact:
Ms. Diana Mills, Executive Director
North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board
1418 Aversboro Road,
Garner, NC 27529
Tel: (919) 773-0530
Fax: (919) 779-5642

Eligibility Requirements: Applicant shall "Successfully complete a three-year postgraduate acupuncture college or training program approved by the Board."

Examination Requirements: NCCA written and PEPLS exams are required.



North Dakota

Contact: State Board of Medical Examiners.

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. It has not been determines whether or not a MD can supervise an acupuncturist.


Ohio

Contact: State Medical Board.

MD's, podiatrists and D.O.'s alone are allowed to practice acupuncture. No training is required. Supervision of an acupuncturist is not allowed.


Oklahoma

Contact: State Board of Medical Licensure.

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

There are 168 Licensed Acupuncturists in Oregon

Contact:
Ms. Diana Dolstra
Board of Medical Examiners
620 Crown Plaza
1500 SW First Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201-5770
(503) 229-5770

Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must graduate from a program with a minimum of 750 hours of acupuncture and 484 hours of western medicine fundamentals. The program must include 12 months of clinical training with 250 hours of clinical observation, 500 hours of treatment and diagnosis in not less than nine months.

Examination Requirements: NCCA written and PEPLS exams are accepted.

MD's and D.O.'s are allowed to practice acupuncture. No training is required.


Pennsylvania

There are 249 Acupuncturists practicing in Pennsylvania

Contact:
Mr. Jack Paruso
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105
(717) 783-1400

Eligibility Requirements: Graduates of U.S. programs must show two academic years of acupuncture training plus two academic years of a college level educational program.

Examination Requirements: NCCA certification accepted. Practitioners must be supervised by a medical doctor registered as an acupuncture supervisor.

MD's can practice acupuncture provided they complete a 200 hour CEU training program.


Rhode Island

There are 45 Doctors of Acupuncture in Rhode Island.

Contact:
Mr. Russell J. Spaight
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Department of Health, Cannon Building
Three Capitol Hill
Providence, Rhode Island 02908
(401) 277-2827

Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must have "successfully completed an accredited course of study... at a foreign or domestic college... satisfactory to the department."

Examiination Requirements:NCCA written exam is required.

MD's can practice acupuncture with no additional training.


South Carolina

Contact: State Board of Medical Examiners.

MD's, dentists, and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture with no additional training.

Acupuncturists can practice under the supervision of any of the above listed licensed professionals, provided the treatment takes place in a state approved facility. The acupuncturist's training is reviewed by the board on an individual basis.


South Dakota

Contact: State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.

Chiropractors can practice acupuncture with the completion of a 100 hour course and 100 hours CEU in the two years following certification.


Tennessee

Contact: Tennessee Department of Health and Environment.

The word "acupuncture" does not exist in the laws regulating the practice of medicine.


Texas

There 154 Licensed Acupuncturists in the state of Texas.

Contact:
Jane Peyton Rogers
Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
P.O. Box 149134
Austin, TX 78714-9134
(512) 834-7728

Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must have graduated from a board approved school of not less than six terms in residence or four months each for a total of not less than 1800 instructional hours, with at least two terms in residence in supervised patient treatment.

Examination Requirements: NCCA written and PEPLS exams are required.

Acupuncture must be performed only on patients that have seen an MD within six months of treatment.

MD's and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture with no additional training.


Utah

There are 22 Acupuncture Practitioners in the Beautiful state of Utah.

Contact:
Ms. Laura Poe
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Herber M. Wells Bldg.
P.O. Box 45805
Salt Lake City, Utah 84145
(801) 530-6736

Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must have completed a course in acupuncture of at least two years, in a school accredited by or in candidacy with NASCSAOM or acceptable to the NCCA, including 500 hours of clinic either in school or post graduate work under a licensed acupuncture practitioner; or have a license or certificate from another state or country after at least two years of equivalent training.

Examination Requirements: The NCCA written exam is required along with the NCCA PEPLS. Additionally, an examination on Utah laws and rules is required.

Acupuncturists must practice under the supervision of a physician currently licensed in the state of Utah, or an acupuncturist who has been licensed in the state of Utah for not less than three years.

MD's can practice acupuncture with no additional training.


Vermont

There are an unknown number of Registered Acupuncturists in Vermont.
There are no Certified Acupuncturists in Vermont.
Contact:
Ms. Rita Knapp
Office of Professional Regulation
Redstone Building
26 Terrace Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(802) 828-2363

Eligibility and Examination Requirements: Completion of a three year program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine with a minimum of 800 hours of supervised clinical practice approved by the director.

NCCA exam is accepted.

Chiropractors can registered with the above office for their privilege to practice.


Virginia

There are 3 Licensed Acupuncturists in Virginia.

Contact:
Ms Eugenia Dorson or Russell Porter, Ph.D.
Virginia Board of Medicine
6606 W Broad Street 4th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23230-1717
(804) 662-9908

Eligibility and Examination Requirements Applicants who graduated from a ACAOM accredited school must document 1,000 hours of training. The language is rather lengthy, and those interested in more info, are encouraged to call the Virginia Board of Medicine. NCCA written and PEPLS exams are accepted.

MD's, D.O.'s and Podiatrists can practice acupuncture following 200 hours of instruction.


Washington

There are 169 Licensed Acupuncturists (formally "certified acupuncturist") in the state of Washington.

Contact:
Ms. Erika Newton
Department of Health Professional Licensing Services
1300 SE Quince Street
P.O. Box 47868
Olympia, Washington 98504-7868
(206) 586-7759

Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must show two years of academic coursework. Clinical work must by completed over a minimum of one academic year, and include 100 hours of observation and at least 400 patient treatments with 100 different patients.

Examination Requirements: NCCA written exam is required along with the NCCA written, PEPLS and the CNT Course are required.

Acupuncturists are required to refer the patient out to an MD for specific acute problems. If the Patient declines the referral, the acupuncture treatment shall not be continued.

MD's and D.O.'s can practice acupuncture with no additional training. Osteopathic physician acupuncture assistant is a unique designation that requires completion of a minimum of two academic years of undergraduate college education in the general sciences and humanities plus 700 hours of acupuncture theory, diagnosis and treatment techniques plus acupuncture clinical training of one year with a minimum of 400 separate patient treatments.


West Virginia

Contact: WV Association of Oriental Medicine
590 Willey Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
E-mail: sample29@citynet.net

Acupuncturists are now being licensed, (new for 1996!)

Examination Requirements: Requirements include: graduation from a ACAOM accedited course (1800 hrs with 300 clinical) or an equivalent course;
OR passing score on the NCCA exam or an equivalent exam;
OR a five year appenticeship of 2700 hrs;
OR practice and licensure in another state (jurisdiction) for at least three years prior to application in WV.

MD's, D.O.'s and podiatrists may practice acupuncture provided they register with the board and complete an "acceptable course of study." Chiropractors can practice after 120 hours of training.


Wisconsin

There are 108 Acupuncturists in Wisconsin

Contact:
Mr. Alfred Hall, Jr.
Dept. of Regulation and Licensure
Bureau of Health Service Professions
Acupuncture Certification
1400 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, Wisconsin 53702
(608) 267-7223

Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must show the equivalent of at least two consecutive years of full time education and clinical work in Oriental diagnostic and therapeutic theories and practices at a school accredited by the ACAOM or the NCCA Examination Requirements: NCCA exam accepted, plus CNT Course. 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

Contact: State Board of Medical Examiners.

Acupuncture is not regulated in Wyoming.


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