HB 452 Summary

• Reenacts sections 73-71-1 through 73-71-51 of the Mississippi Code establishing the Acupuncture Practice Act, which regulates the licensure and practice of acupuncture in Mississippi.

• Requires acupuncture practitioners to obtain written referrals from physicians and practice under physician supervision, with physicians located within 60 minutes travel time and available for consultation.

• Establishes the State Board of Medical Licensure as the regulatory authority with powers to license practitioners, conduct examinations, inspect premises, and initiate disciplinary proceedings.

• Requires applicants to complete at least 2,500 hours of education from an accredited acupuncture college, pass examinations in anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and other specified subjects, and maintain professional liability insurance.

• Extends the repeal date of the Acupuncture Practice Act from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2020, allowing continued regulation of the profession.