SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1398

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Health & Long-Term Care, March 24, 1995

Title:  An act relating to acupuncture.

Brief Description:  Regulating acupuncture licensing.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Dyer, Dellwo, Backlund, Quall, Conway, Cody, Morris and Casada).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  3/21/95, 3/24/95 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Winsley and Wood.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  Currently, anyone who practices acupuncture must be certified by the Department of Health.  Physicians without a specific acupuncture certificate may also practice acupuncture, and under their direction, physician assistants and osteopathic physician assistants.

Acupuncture is defined as a health care service based on an Oriental system of medical theory which treats organic or functional disorders by employing specified technique, such as needles or other modalities, at specific acupuncture points or meridians on the human body.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The regulatory terminology of the practice of acupuncture is changed from certification to licensure and only persons qualifying for licensure may practice acupuncture, unless otherwise authorized by law in other practice acts.

Rendering dietary advice is included in the scope of practice, but only as it relates to specific procedures.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  Language was deleted that required professions authorized to practice acupuncture under other chapters of state law (i.e. physicians) to adhere to acupuncture standards set by the Acupuncture Advisory Committee.

     Appropriation:  None

Fiscal Note:  Requested March 8, 1995.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill corrects statutory language to conform with actual practice.  Since acupuncturists are required to be certified to practice, this is the same as licensure.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Stephen Lindstrom, Acupuncture Assn. of WA.