Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that amends and modernizes Pennsylvania's Acupuncture Law to authorize title protection for licensed acupuncturists and practitioners in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Defines East Asian herbology as using herbal products and other organic materials when practicing medicine to normalize function (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes acupuncturists to practice Oriental medicine as long as they obtain the proper license to practice Oriental medicine through the board (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that one or more of the following requirements must also be met along with an Oriental medicine license (Sec. 3):

• Completion of an acupuncture course that includes study on Oriental medicine and the passage of an exam; and

• Obtaining a national certification in East Asian herbology from an organization that is accredited by the board.

• Authorizes individuals with acupuncture licenses to practice for no more than 60 days in the case of a statewide emergency (Sec. 3).

• Requires individuals to wear a tag stating their practice in acupuncture or Oriental medicine under the standards the board sets regarding participation of medical care in statewide emergencies (Sec. 3). 

• Requires individuals who practice acupuncture without a license to practice to be guilty of a third-degree misdemeanor (Sec. 5).

• Requires the state and Department of Education to approve all acupuncture educational programs administered (Sec. 6).

• Requires acupuncturists to complete 30 hours of education every 2 years when license renewal comes around (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text