FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1865

C 308 L 19

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Regulating the practice of acupuncture and Eastern medicine.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Harris, Pettigrew, Caldier, Tharinger and Thai).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care

Background:

In 2010 legislation was enacted that changed the profession of Acupuncture to East Asian medicine and expanded the scope of practice for a licensed East Asian Medicine Practitioner. Any person licensed as an Acupuncturist prior to the effective date of the 2010 legislation was, at his or her next renewal date, given the title of East Asian Medicine Practitioner. Licensed East Asian Medicine Practitioners are prohibited from holding themselves out as Acupuncturists. East Asian Medicine Practitioners are licensed by the Department of Health (DOH).

Scope of Practice.

East Asian medicine means a health care service utilizing East Asian medicine diagnosis and treatment to promote health and treat organic or functional disorders and includes the following:

• acupuncture, including the use of acupuncture needles or lancets to directly and indirectly 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), as defined in rule by the DOH. Point injection therapy includes injection of substances, limited to saline, sterile water, herbs, minerals, vitamins in liquid form, and homeopathic and nutritional substances, consistent with the practice of East Asian medicine. Point injection therapy does not include injection of controlled substances contained in Schedules I through V of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act or steroids;

• dietary advice and health education based on East Asian medical theory, including the recommendation and sale of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and dietary and nutritional supplements;

• breathing, relaxation, and East Asian exercise techniques;

• Qigong;

• East Asian massage and tui na, which is a method of East Asian bodywork, characterized by the kneading, pressing, rolling, shaking, and stretching of the body and does not include spinal manipulation; and

• superficial heat and cold therapies.

Licensure Requirements.

Any person seeking to be examined for licensure as an East Asian Medicine Practitioner must present to the Secretary of the DOH (Secretary) at least 45 days before the exam:

• the application form; and

• proof the applicant successfully completed:

  • a course of didactic training in basic sciences and East Asian medicine, approved by the Secretary, over a minimum period of two academic years; and

  • clinical training in East Asian medicine as defined in rule and approved by the Secretary.

The DOH must consider for approval any school, program, apprenticeship, or tutorial that meets the requirements. The Secretary must offer examinations in East Asian medicine at least twice a year. An applicant is not permitted to take the exam until the Secretary has approved the applicant's application and the applicant has paid an exam fee.

Summary:

References to "East Asian medicine" are changed to "Acupuncture and Eastern medicine" and references to "East Asian medicine practitioner" are changed to "Acupuncturist" or "Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Practitioner." A person licensed as an Acupuncturist may use the title Acupuncturist, Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Practitioner, or East Asian Medicine Practitioner and use the letters L. Ac., EAMP, or AEMP.

The Department of Health (DOH) must adopt a rule requiring completion of continuing education for Acupuncturists as a condition of license renewal.

The DOH must consider for approval any school or program that meets the education requirements, but is not required to consider apprenticeship or tutorial programs. Statutes related to the approval of applications and requiring an examination fee, and application of the chapter to previously registered acupuncture assistants are repealed.

Votes on Final Passage: