HB 989 Summary

• Reenacts sections 73-71-1 through 73-71-51 of the Mississippi Code establishing the Acupuncture Practice Act, which regulates the licensing and practice of acupuncture in Mississippi under the State Board of Medical Licensure.

• Requires acupuncture practitioners to obtain written referrals from physicians before treating patients and to perform acupuncture under general physician supervision, with practitioners prohibited from making medical diagnoses.

• Establishes the Mississippi Council of Advisors in Acupuncture with three members appointed from nominees of the Mississippi Oriental Medicine Association to advise the State Board of Medical Licensure.

• Sets licensure requirements including graduation from an accredited college with at least 2,500 hours of study, passage of written and practical examinations with a minimum 70% score, completion of clinical internship, and CPR training.

• Extends the repealer date on the Acupuncture Practice Act from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2017, allowing the regulatory framework to continue in effect.