CT SB00276

Establishes licensing requirements for acupuncturists, including completion of 60 semester hours of postsecondary education, an accredited acupuncture program, passing the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine examination or department-prescribed exam, and clean needle technique training.

Increases training hour requirements for applicants completing their course of study on or after October 1, 2012, from 1,350 hours (500 clinical) to 1,905 hours (660 clinical).

Requires license renewal every two years with a $250 fee and mandates maintenance of National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine certification or completion of at least 30 continuing education hours within the preceding 24 months for renewals beginning October 1, 2014.

Allows licensed practitioners of healing arts, physical therapists, and dentists to provide acupuncture services consistent with their professions without obtaining an acupuncturist license.

Permits certified individuals to practice auricular acupuncture for alcohol and drug abuse treatment under physician supervision in approved facilities without a full acupuncturist license.