SB 489 Summary

• Establishes an Acupuncture Committee with 5 members (3 licensed acupuncturists and 2 laypersons) appointed by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision to oversee examinations, licensure, and continuing education standards.

• Requires applicants for acupuncture licensure to meet standards including state residency, completion of approved training programs (apprenticeship, tutorial, or master's degree meeting NCCAOM standards), continuous practice since January 1, 2014, age 21+, good moral character, and English proficiency, with application fees not exceeding $300 and initial biennial license fees not exceeding $400.

• Mandates acupuncturists maintain patient records for minimum 5 years including assessment information, treatment documentation, and signed consent; prohibits delegation of acupuncture duties to unqualified persons; requires license posting and disclosure of fees; and imposes sanitation standards including use of sterile disposable needles and chemical disinfectants.

• Establishes grounds for license denial or discipline including fraud, malpractice, sexual conduct with patients within 6 months of relationship termination, false advertising, and failure to maintain medical records or comply with health and safety regulations.

• Effective November 1, 2015; biennial license renewal capped at $500 with continuing education requirements not exceeding 30 hours biennially.