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CHAPTER 147B. ACUPUNCTURE PRACTITIONERS

Table of Sections
Section Headnote
147B.01 DEFINITIONS.
147B.02 LICENSURE.
147B.03 NCCAOM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS.
147B.04 BOARD ACTION ON APPLICATIONS.
147B.05 ACUPUNCTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
147B.06 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
147B.07 DISCIPLINE; REPORTING.
147B.08 FEES.

147B.01 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

The definitions in this section apply to this chapter.

Subd. 2.Acupressure.

"Acupressure" means the application of pressure to acupuncture points.

Subd. 3.Acupuncture practice.

"Acupuncture practice" means a comprehensive system of health care using Oriental medical theory and its unique methods of diagnosis and treatment. Its treatment techniques include the insertion of acupuncture needles through the skin and the use of other biophysical methods of acupuncture point stimulation, including the use of heat, Oriental massage techniques, electrical stimulation, herbal supplemental therapies, dietary guidelines, breathing techniques, and exercise based on Oriental medical principles.

Subd. 4.Acupuncture needle.

"Acupuncture needle" means a needle designed exclusively for acupuncture purposes. It has a solid core, with a tapered point, and is 0.12 mm to 0.45 mm in thickness. It is constructed of stainless steel, gold, silver, or other board-approved materials as long as the materials can be sterilized according to recommendations of the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Subd. 5.Acupuncture points.

"Acupuncture points" means specific anatomically described locations as defined by the recognized acupuncture reference texts. These texts are listed in the study guide to the examination for the NCCAOM certification exam.

Subd. 6.Acupuncture practitioner.

"Acupuncture practitioner" means a person licensed to practice acupuncture under this chapter.

Subd. 7.Board.

"Board" means the Board of Medical Practice or its designee.

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 2002 c 375 art 3 s 11]

Subd. 9.Breathing techniques.

"Breathing techniques" means Oriental breathing exercises taught to a patient as part of a treatment plan.

Subd. 10.Cupping.

"Cupping" means a therapy in which a jar-shaped instrument is attached to the skin and negative pressure is created by using suction.

Subd. 11.Dermal friction.

"Dermal friction" means rubbing on the surface of the skin, using topical ointments with a smooth-surfaced instrument without a cutting edge that can be sterilized or, if disposable, a onetime only use product.

Subd. 12.Diplomate in acupuncture.

"Diplomate in acupuncture" means a person who is certified by the NCCAOM as having met the standards of competence established by the NCCAOM, who subscribes to the NCCAOM code of ethics, and who has a current and active NCCAOM certificate. Current and active NCCAOM certification indicates successful completion of continued professional development and previous satisfaction of NCCAOM requirements.

Subd. 13.Electrical stimulation.

"Electrical stimulation" means a method of stimulating acupuncture points by an electrical current of .001 to 100 milliamps, or other current as approved by the board. Electrical stimulation may be used by attachment of a device to an acupuncture needle or may be used transcutaneously without penetrating the skin.

Subd. 14.Herbal therapies.

"Herbal therapies" are the use of herbs and patent herbal remedies as supplements as part of the treatment plan of the patient.

Subd. 15.

[Repealed, 2002 c 375 art 3 s 11]

Subd. 16.NCCAOM.

"NCCAOM" means the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a not-for-profit corporation organized under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Subd. 16a.NCCAOM certification.

"NCCAOM certification" means a certification granted by the NCCAOM to a person who has met the standards of competence established for either NCCAOM certification in acupuncture or NCCAOM certification in Oriental medicine.

Subd. 17.Needle sickness.

"Needle sickness" is a temporary state of nausea and dizziness that is a potential side effect to needle insertion and from which full recovery occurs when the needles are removed.

Subd. 18.Oriental medicine.

"Oriental medicine" means a system of healing arts that perceives the circulation and balance of energy in the body as being fundamental to the well-being of the individual. It implements the theory through specialized methods of analyzing the energy status of the body and treating the body with acupuncture and other related modalities for the purpose of strengthening the body, improving energy balance, maintaining or restoring health, improving physiological function, and reducing pain.

147B.02 LICENSURE.

Subdivision 1.Licensure required.

Except as provided under subdivision 4, it is unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of acupuncture without a valid license after June 30, 1997. Each licensed acupuncture practitioner shall conspicuously display the license in the place of practice.

Subd. 2.Designation.

A person licensed under this chapter shall use the title of licensed acupuncturist or L.Ac. following the person's name in all forms of advertising, professional literature, and billings. A person may not, in the conduct of an occupation or profession pertaining to the practice of acupuncture or in connection with the person's name, use the words or letters licensed acupuncturist, Minnesota licensed acupuncturist, or any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that a person is an acupuncturist without a license issued under this section. A student attending an acupuncture training program must be identified as a student acupuncturist.

Subd. 3.Penalty.

A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to discipline under section 147.091.

Subd. 4.Exceptions.

(a) The following persons may practice acupuncture within the scope of their practice without an acupuncture license:

(1) a physician licensed under chapter 147;

(2) an osteopath licensed under chapter 147;

(3) a chiropractor licensed under chapter 148;

(4) a person who is studying in a formal course of study or tutorial intern program approved by the acupuncture advisory council established in section 147B.05 so long as the person's acupuncture practice is supervised by a licensed acupuncturist or a person who is exempt under clause (5);

(5) a visiting acupuncturist practicing acupuncture within an instructional setting for the sole purpose of teaching at a school registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, who may practice without a license for a period of one year, with two one-year extensions permitted; and

(6) a visiting acupuncturist who is in the state for the sole purpose of providing a tutorial or workshop not to exceed 30 days in one calendar year.

(b) This chapter does not prohibit a person who does not have an acupuncturist license from practicing specific noninvasive techniques, such as acupressure, that are within the scope of practice as set forth in section 147B.06, subdivision 4.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2004 c 279 art 3 s 3]

Subd. 6.License by reciprocity.

The board shall issue an acupuncture license to a person who holds a current license or certificate as an acupuncturist from another jurisdiction if the board determines that the standards for certification or licensure in the other jurisdiction meet or exceed the requirements for licensure in Minnesota and a letter is received from that jurisdiction that the acupuncturist is in good standing in that jurisdiction.

Subd. 7.Licensure requirements.

(a) After June 30, 1997, an applicant for licensure must:

(1) submit a completed application for licensure on forms provided by the board, which must include the applicant's name and address of record, which shall be public;

(2) unless licensed under subdivision 5 or 6, submit a notarized copy of a current NCCAOM certification;

(3) sign a statement that the information in the application is true and correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief;

(4) submit with the application all fees required; and

(5) sign a waiver authorizing the board to obtain access to the applicant's records in this state or any state in which the applicant has engaged in the practice of acupuncture.

(b) The board may ask the applicant to provide any additional information necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to practice with reasonable skill and safety to the public.

(c) The board may investigate information provided by an applicant to whether the information is accurate and complete. The board shall notify an applicant of action taken on the application and the reasons for denying licensure if licensure is denied.

Subd. 8.Licensure expiration.

Licenses issued under this section expire annually.

Subd. 9.Renewal.

(a) To renew a license an applicant must:

(1) annually, or as determined by the board, complete a renewal application on a form provided by the board;

(2) submit the renewal fee;

(3) provide documentation of current and active NCCAOM certification; or

(4) if licensed under subdivision 5 or 6, meet the same NCCAOM professional development activity requirements as those licensed under subdivision 7.

(b) An applicant shall submit any additional information requested by the board to clarify information presented in the renewal application. The information must be submitted within 30 days after the board's request, or the renewal request is nullified.

Subd. 10.Licensure renewal notice.

At least 30 days before the license renewal date, the board shall send out a renewal notice to the last known address of the licensee. The notice must include a renewal application and a notice of fees required for renewal. If the licensee does not receive a renewal notice, the licensee must still meet the requirements for registration renewal under this section.

Subd. 11.Renewal deadline.

The renewal application and fee must be postmarked on or before June 30 of the year of renewal or as determined by the board.

Subd. 12.Inactive status.

(a) A license may be placed in inactive status upon application to the board and upon payment of an inactive status fee. The board may not renew or restore a license that has lapsed and has not been renewed within two annual license renewal cycles.

(b) An inactive license may be reactivated by the license holder upon application to the board. A licensee whose license is canceled for nonrenewal must obtain a new license by applying for licensure and fulfilling all the requirements then in existence for the initial license to practice acupuncture in the state of Minnesota. The application must include:

(1) evidence of current and active NCCAOM certification;

(2) evidence of the certificate holder's payment of an inactive status fee;

(3) an annual fee; and

(4) all back fees since previous renewal.

(c) A person licensed under subdivision 5 who has allowed the license to reach inactive status must become NCCAOM certified.

Subd. 13.Temporary permit.

The board may issue a temporary permit to practice acupuncture to an applicant eligible for licensure under this section only if the application for licensure is complete, all applicable requirements in this section have been met, and a nonrefundable fee set by the board has been paid. The permit remains valid only until the meeting of the board at which a decision is made on the acupuncturist's application for licensure.

147B.03 NCCAOM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.NCCAOM requirements.

Unless a person is licensed under section 147B.02, subdivision 5 or 6, each licensee is required to meet the NCCAOM professional development activity requirements to maintain NCCAOM certification. These requirements may be met through a board approved continuing education program.

Subd. 2.Board approval.

The board shall approve a continuing education program if the program meets the following requirements:

(1) it directly relates to the practice of acupuncture;

(2) each member of the faculty shows expertise in the subject matter by holding a degree or certificate from an educational institution, has verifiable experience in traditional Oriental medicine, or has special training in the subject area;

(3) the program lasts at least one contact hour;

(4) there are specific written objectives describing the goals of the program for the participants; and

(5) the program sponsor maintains attendance records for four years.

Subd. 3.Continuing education topics.

(a) Continuing education program topics may include, but are not limited to, Oriental medical theory and techniques including Oriental massage; Oriental nutrition; Oriental herbology and diet therapy; Oriental exercise; western sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, psychology, nutrition, history of medicine; and medical terminology or coding.

(b) Practice management courses are excluded under this section.

Subd. 4.Verification.

The board shall periodically select a random sample of acupuncturists and require the acupuncturist to show evidence of having completed the NCCAOM professional development activities requirements. Either the acupuncturist, the state, or the national organization that maintains continuing education records may provide the board documentation of the continuing education program.

147B.04 BOARD ACTION ON APPLICATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Verification of application information.

The board or Acupuncture Advisory Council established under section 147B.05, with the approval of the board, may verify information provided by an application for licensure under section 147B.02 to determine if the information is accurate and complete.

Subd. 2.Notification of board action.

Within 120 days of receipt of the application, the board shall notify each applicant in writing of the action taken on the application.

Subd. 3.Request for hearing by applicant denied.

An applicant denied licensure must be notified of the determination, and the grounds for it, and may request a hearing on the determination by filing a written statement of issues with the board within 20 days after receipt of the notice from the board. After the hearing, the board shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision.

History:

1995 c 177 s 5

147B.05 ACUPUNCTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL.

Subdivision 1.Creation.

The advisory council to the Board of Medical Practice for acupuncture consists of seven members appointed by the board to three-year terms. Four members must be licensed acupuncture practitioners, one member must be a licensed physician or osteopath who also practices acupuncture, one member must be a licensed chiropractor who is NCCAOM certified, and one member must be a member of the public who has received acupuncture treatment as a primary therapy from a NCCAOM certified acupuncturist.

Subd. 2.Administration; compensation; removal; quorum.

The advisory council is governed by section 15.059.

Subd. 3.Duties.

The advisory council shall:

(1) advise the board on issuance, denial, renewal, suspension, revocation, conditioning, or restricting of licenses to practice acupuncture;

(2) advise the board on issues related to receiving, investigating, conducting hearings, and imposing disciplinary action in relation to complaints against acupuncture practitioners;

(3) maintain a register of acupuncture practitioners licensed under section 147B.02;

(4) maintain a record of all advisory council actions;

(5) prescribe registration application forms, license forms, protocol forms, and other necessary forms;

(6) review the patient visit records submitted by applicants during the transition period;

(7) advise the board regarding standards for acupuncturists;

(8) distribute information regarding acupuncture practice standards;

(9) review complaints;

(10) advise the board regarding continuing education programs;

(11) review the investigation of reports of complaints and recommend to the board whether disciplinary action should be taken; and

(12) perform other duties authorized by advisory councils under chapter 214, as directed by the board.

147B.06 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.

Subdivision 1.Practice standards.

(a) Before treatment of a patient, an acupuncture practitioner shall ask whether the patient has been examined by a licensed physician or other professional, as defined by section 145.61, subdivision 2, with regard to the patient's illness or injury, and shall review the diagnosis as reported.

(b) The practitioner shall obtain informed consent from the patient, after advising the patient of the following information which must be supplied to the patient in writing before or at the time of the initial visit:

(1) the practitioner's qualifications including:

(i) education;

(ii) license information; and

(iii) outline of the scope of practice of acupuncturists in Minnesota; and

(2) side effects which may include the following:

(i) some pain in the treatment area;

(ii) minor bruising;

(iii) infection;

(iv) needle sickness; or

(v) broken needles.

(c) The practitioner shall obtain acknowledgment by the patient in writing that the patient has been advised to consult with the patient's primary care physician about the acupuncture treatment if the patient circumstances warrant or the patient chooses to do so.

(d) The practitioner shall inquire whether the patient has a pacemaker or bleeding disorder.

Subd. 2.Sterilized equipment.

An acupuncture practitioner shall use sterilized equipment that has been sterilized under standards of the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Subd. 3.State and municipal public health regulations.

An acupuncture practitioner shall comply with all applicable state and municipal requirements regarding public health.

Subd. 4.Scope of practice.

The scope of practice of acupuncture includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) using Oriental medical theory to assess and diagnose a patient;

(2) using Oriental medical theory to develop a plan to treat a patient. The treatment techniques that may be chosen include:

(i) insertion of sterile acupuncture needles through the skin;

(ii) acupuncture stimulation including, but not limited to, electrical stimulation or the application of heat;

(iii) cupping;

(iv) dermal friction;

(v) acupressure;

(vi) herbal therapies;

(vii) dietary counseling based on traditional Chinese medical principles;

(viii) breathing techniques;

(ix) exercise according to Oriental medical principles; or

(x) Oriental massage.

Subd. 5.Patient records.

An acupuncturist shall maintain a patient record for each patient treated, including:

(1) a copy of the informed consent;

(2) evidence of a patient interview concerning the patient's medical history and current physical condition;

(3) evidence of a traditional acupuncture examination and diagnosis;

(4) record of the treatment including points treated; and

(5) evidence of evaluation and instructions given to the patient.

Subd. 6.Referral to other health care practitioners.

Referral to other health care practitioners is required when an acupuncturist practitioner sees patients with potentially serious disorders including, but not limited to:

(1) cardiac conditions including uncontrolled hypertension;

(2) acute, severe abdominal pain;

(3) acute, undiagnosed neurological changes;

(4) unexplained weight loss or gain in excess of 15 percent of the body weight in less than a three-month period;

(5) suspected fracture or dislocation;

(6) suspected systemic infections;

(7) any serious undiagnosed hemorrhagic disorder; and

(8) acute respiratory distress without previous history.

The acupuncturist shall request a consultation or written diagnosis from a licensed physician for patients with potentially serious disorders.

Subd. 7.Data practices.

Data maintained on an acupuncture patient by an acupuncture practitioner is subject to section 144.336.

147B.07 DISCIPLINE; REPORTING.

For purposes of this chapter, acupuncturist licensees and applicants are subject to the provisions of sections 147.091 to 147.162.

History:

1995 c 177 s 8

147B.08 FEES.

Subdivision 1.Annual registration fee.

The board shall establish the fee of $150 for initial licensure and $150 annual licensure renewal. The board may prorate the initial licensure fee.

Subd. 2.Penalty fee for late renewals.

The penalty fee for late submission for renewal application is $50.

Subd. 3.Deposit.

Fees collected by the board under this section must be deposited in the state government special revenue fund.

History:

1995 c 177 s 9

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes