FINAL BILL REPORT

                     SHB 1392

                                 C 110 L 92

                            Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Making major changes to acupuncturist licensure.

By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Locke, Prince, Braddock, Ballard, Wang and Brekke).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  The practice of acupuncture is regulated by law and persons holding themselves out as acupuncturists or as certified acupuncturists must be certified by the Department of Health.  Acupuncture is principally a health care service based on traditional Oriental medical theory by treating specific acupuncture points with needles and other modalities.

There is currently no exemption provided from the requirement of certification for out-of-state acupuncturists on sabbatical in this state.

The acupuncture practice law is scheduled for termination on July 1, 1991, and repeal on July 1, 1992, under the Sunset law.

Summary:  Upon application, an acupuncturist from out-of-state on sabbatical in this state shall be granted inactive license status and pay a reduced license fee.

The scheduled Sunset termination and repeal dates for the acupuncture regulatory law are repealed.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 97    0

Senate   46    0    (Senate amended)

House 96    0    (House concurred)

Effective:     June 11, 1992