MS HB1162

Reenacts the Mississippi Acupuncture Practice Act (Sections 73-71-1 through 73-71-51) to establish a framework for licensing and regulating acupuncture practitioners as independent health care professionals under the State Board of Medical Licensure.

Requires all acupuncture applicants to undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background checks through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Federal Bureau of Investigation before licensure eligibility.

Establishes minimum educational and training requirements including 2,500 hours of study, clinical internship, CPR certification, and passage of written and practical examinations covering anatomy, pathology, diagnosis, sanitation, and acupuncture techniques.

Creates the Mississippi Council of Advisors in Acupuncture (three members appointed by the Executive Director of the State Medical Licensure Board) to advise on regulations and report annually to the Legislature on licensure statistics and violations.

Extends the automatic repealer date for the Acupuncture Practice Act from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2017 to allow continued regulation of the profession.