SB 845 - Acupuncture Practitioners Licensure Updates

• Establishes two new license designations effective July 1, 2025: "L.Ac." for master's degree holders and "D.Ac." for doctoral degree holders in acupuncture medicine from accredited institutions.

• Requires all new applicants after July 1, 2025 to pass National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examinations and graduate from accredited acupuncture medicine programs.

• Grants "legacy status" to all existing licensees as of July 1, 2025, allowing them to continue practicing under their current designation; lapsed licenses must comply with new requirements if not restored within two years of expiration.

• Adds mandatory continuing education requirement of 30 credit hours per biennial renewal period (including 2 hours ethics and 2 hours safety) beginning July 1, 2025, and requires current CPR certification.

• Authorizes the Board of Acupuncture to establish alternative licensure pathways for physicians practicing acupuncture and allows physicians to supervise acupuncture interns alongside licensed practitioners.

• Increases penalties for unlicensed acupuncture practice to a minimum of $1,000 per day of violation.