HB 251 Summary

• Creates new certificate for "oriental medicine practitioner" under state medical board supervision, in addition to existing acupuncturist certificate, with requirements including current NCCAOM designation and completion of herb and drug interaction training courses.

• Establishes supervisory requirements for oriental medicine practitioners and acupuncturists during a one-year initial practice period, including requirement for written referral/prescription from physician or chiropractor and general supervision, except chiropractors cannot supervise herbal therapy use.

• Adds detailed definitions and requirements for oriental medicine practice including herbal therapy, supplemental techniques, documentation standards, and patient counseling requirements for herbal treatments with adverse reaction reporting to the medical board.

• Modifies State Medical Board organizational structure by requiring election of president, supervising member, and secretary (instead of president and supervising member), with secretary required to be a physician in good standing.

• Expands disciplinary grounds for acupuncturists and oriental medicine practitioners to include failure to maintain current NCCAOM designation and non-compliance with herbal therapy standards; establishes $500,000 minimum professional liability insurance requirement.