HB 1679 Summary

• Creates new "L.Ac." (Licensed Acupuncturist) and "D.Ac." (Licensed Doctor of Acupuncture) license designations for practitioners with master's and doctoral degrees respectively, effective July 1, 2023.

• Requires initial licensees to graduate from accredited acupuncture medicine institutions and pass National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exams, with reciprocity provisions for out-of-state practitioners.

• Establishes "legacy status" for acupuncturists licensed before July 1, 2023, allowing continued practice under current designations if licenses remain active.

• Requires all licensees to complete 30 continuing education hours per biennial renewal period (beginning July 1, 2025), including at least 2 hours each on ethics and safety, plus maintain current CPR certification.

• Increases penalties for unlicensed practice to minimum $1,000 per day violation and adds definitions for "acupuncture medicine," "practice of acupuncture medicine," and "practice of advanced acupuncture medicine."