H.F. No. 2508 Summary

• Adds new definition of "acupuncture" as a treatment technique using needle insertion and biophysical stimulation methods including heat, massage, electrical stimulation, dry needling, trigger point therapy, and similar therapies for pain management and disease modification.

• Expands "acupuncture and herbal medicine practice" definition to explicitly include cupping, dermal friction, therapeutic massage, herbal therapies, dietary and nutrition therapies, mind-body exercises, and other appropriate techniques using traditional and modern diagnosis methods.

• Revises acupuncture needle definition to clarify needles are designed for insertion past the skin to alleviate pain, provide symptom relief, or modulate disease processes, with specifications of 0.12 mm to 0.45 mm thickness and materials including stainless steel, gold, or silver.

• Expands scope of practice for acupuncturists to include injection therapy (sterile herbal products, vitamins, minerals, homeopathic substances via hypodermic needles into acupuncture points) with required proof of training to the board.

• Repeals the definition of "Oriental medicine" and modifies advisory council composition requirements to specify four members must be licensed acupuncture practitioners licensed in Minnesota.