Statutes and Regulations by State
Licensure for Chiropractors
Laws vary from state regarding the rights of chiropractors to practice acupuncture. Most states do allow the practice of acupuncture by chiropractors, but regulate the practice in various ways. Here is a breakdown of the most common scenarios:- Chiropractors can practice acupuncture if they have an acupuncture certification in addition to a chiropractic license. Requirements for certification range from 100-300 hours of education, and often require clinical experience as well. A certification is not an acupuncture license, which is extended to acupuncturists (L.Ac.)
- Chiropractors can practice acupuncture without further regulation or certification.
- Chiropractors cannot practice acupuncture unless they are also licensed acupuncturists (L.Ac.), which generally entails 1,800-4,000 hours of schooling in addition to chiropractic school.
Regulation of chiropractors practicing acupuncture variously falls under the authority of state boards of acupuncture and oriental medicine, state medical boards, state chiropractic boards, and departments of professional licensure. Additionally, some states allow the practice of “meridian therapy” by chiropractors, without the use of piercing needles.
Some of these boards, recognizing the overlap in scope of practice, have joined together to clarify the scope and practice of acupuncture. This link, the Congress of Chiropractic Associantions, outlines some of those unions and laws for practice.
Obviously, it is very important to make sure you meet the legal requirements to practice acupuncture in your state and receive the correct certifications to do so. State-by-state listings of requirements are as follows:
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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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chiropractors can practice acupuncture with the completion of a 100 hour course and 100 hours CEU in the two years following certification.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Acupuncture is not regulated in Wyoming.