acupuncture-tcm: November 2008 Archives

The New York State Acupuncture Coalition  addresses the fact that many acupuncturists are trained in and practicing herbal recommendation according to Oriental medicine principles in their practices, yet there has been no regulation of this practice. The coalition seeks to regulate herbal practice within the acupuncture statute not only to ensure protection for practitioners to continue their practice of herbs but, more importantly, to protect the public by setting the standards for safe practice of herbs.

The coalition is conducting a grassroots movement to successfully enact legislative statutory changes to the AOM Licensing Law to more clearly define acupuncture scope of practice, better protect the public, and self regulate our profession.

The coalition is comprised of practitioners, students, alumni associations, professional associations, schools, and patient supporters. This coalition is unique in that, for the first time, it will be proactively seeking to amend legislation in favor the long-term interest and protection of the practice.

As of today, a number of New York schools, including Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Touro College, New York Chiropractic College, New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tri-State College of Acupuncture and members of the faculty of the Swedish Institute Acupuncture Program, have stated their support of the coalition's efforts. Additionally, The Acupuncture Society of New York, High Falls Garden, TCM World Foundation, American Traditional Chinese Medicine Society, and United Alliance of New York State Licensed Acupuncturists are in full support of the coalition's efforts.

You can download the Legislative Guide 2008 from the NYSAC home page. Find an overview of NYSAC's legislative goals here.

There are 21 states that have acupuncture schools or programs.

1. Arizona
2. California
3. Colorado
4. Connecticut
5. Florida
6. Hawaii
7. Illinois
8. Kansas
9. Maryland
10. Massachusetts
11. Minnesota
12. New Jersey
13. New Mexico
14. New York
15. North Carolina
16. Ohio
17. Oregon
18. Pennsylvania
19. Texas
20. Washington
21. Wisconsin

The remaining 29 states have no acupuncture colleges or programs.

The practice of acupuncture is not allowed in South Dakota and Wyoming.

Only physicians or chiropractors can practice acupuncture in North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.

Acupuncture is licensed in the remaining states, a total of 45 states.