SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5280

As of January 31, 2001

Title:  An act relating to acupuncture as a medical care service.

Brief Description:  Including acupuncture as a service provided as medical assistance.

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Roach, Costa, Eide, Fairley, Thibaudeau, Prentice, Regala, McAuliffe, Kohl‑Welles, Patterson, Kline and Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/1/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Jonathan Seib (786‑7427)

Background:  Acupuncture is a health care service based on an Oriental system of medical theory utilizing Oriental diagnosis and treatment to promote health and treat organic or functional disorders by treating specific acupuncture points or meridians.  It includes the following techniques:  use of acupuncture needles to stimulate acupuncture points and meridians; use of electrical, mechanical, or magnetic devices to stimulate acupuncture points and meridians; moxibustion; acupressure; cupping; dermal friction technique; infra-red; sonopuncture; laserpuncture; point injection therapy (aquapuncture); and dietary advice based on Oriental medical theory.

Acupuncture is generally excluded from the scope of covered services under the state Medicaid program.

Summary of Bill:  Effective January 1, 2003, the Department of Social and Health Services must offer acupuncture services under the state Medicaid program through state licensed providers.  The department must limit the number of treatments provided to a maximum of eight per patient per year and may develop additional limitations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 28, 2001.

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