SB384 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, composed of four members appointed by the Governor (three licensed acupuncturists and one public member), to license and regulate acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners.

• Requires applicants to be at least 21 years old, of good moral character, hold active certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and pass board-prescribed examinations unless exempt.

• Sets licensing fees including application and license fee up to $600, annual renewal fee up to $200, and examination fees as determined by the board; all funds deposited into state treasury.

• Prohibits unlicensed practice of acupuncture or use of related titles effective July 1, 2015, with violators subject to Class C misdemeanor charges and civil penalties up to $2,000, plus injunctive relief available.

• Restricts licensed acupuncturists from making medical diagnoses but allows pattern differentiation per traditional Chinese medicine, with requirement to consult physicians if patients require emergency medical treatment or show no improvement.