The Regulation of the Practice of Acupuncture by Physicians in the United States

Abstract

Introduction: The landscape of acupuncture regulation has greatly evolved since the National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement in 1997. In recent decades, acupuncture treatment has become increasingly integrated with conventional medical care. Healthcare practitioners often utilize acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to help alleviate symptoms of many conditions, such as nausea and pain. The popularity of this complementary and alternative modality has elevated the importance and urgency for states to regulate its practice and safety. Materials and Methods: The authors comprehensively examined the regulation of the practice of acupuncture by licensed physicians in the United States. Current statutes were evaluated with respect to those from past decades. Requirements were compared with the World Health Organization's recommendations for acupuncture basic training and safety. Results: Most physicians are permitted to practice acupuncture within the scope of their medical practices. Many states mandate that they complete additional education and training. Three states require that physicians obtain acupuncture licenses through the same process as non-physicians. Compared to prior decades, many states have changed their requirements. Conclusions: This article provides current, individual state regulations for the practice of acupuncture by physicians.