HLS 18RS-671 ENGROSSED
2018 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 421
BY REPRESENTATIVES LEGER AND WRIGHT
ACUPUNCTURISTS: Provides for the licensing of acupuncturists
1 AN ACT
2To amend and reenact R.S. 37:1358, relative to the practice of acupuncture; to provide for
3 licensing of acupuncturists; to repeal the requirement that acupuncturists maintain
4 physician relationships; and to provide for related matters.
5Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 37:1358 is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:
7 ยง1358. Licensed acupuncturists; relationship with physician
8 A. The board shall certify as a licensed acupuncturist any of an individual
9 who meets both of the following:
10 (1) An individual who has graduated from an acupuncture school or college
11 accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
12 Holds active status with the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and
13 Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
14 (2) An individual who has Has successfully passed the certification
15 examination, including the Biomedicine portion of the examination, given by the
16 National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
17 B. The licensed acupuncturist shall establish and maintain, in accordance
18 with rules and regulations promulgated by the board, a relationship with a physician
19 who operates a physical practice location in Louisiana to provide for referrals and
20 follow-up care which may be necessary.
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 18RS-671 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 421
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 421 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Leger
Abstract: Revises licensing requirements for acupuncturists.
Present law provides that the La. Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) shall certify as a
licensed acupuncturist any of the following:
(1) An individual who has graduated from an acupuncture school or college accredited by
the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
(2) An individual who has successfully passed the certification examination given by the
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Proposed law changes present law to provide that the LSBME shall certify as a licensed
acupuncturist an individual who meets both of the following:
(1) Holds active status with the NCCAOM.
(2) Has successfully passed the certification examination, including the Biomedicine portion
of the examination, given by the NCCAOM.
Present law requires a licensed acupuncturist to establish and maintain a relationship with
a physician who operates a physical practice location in the state.
Proposed law repeals the duty to maintain a relationship with a physician.
(Amends R.S. 37:1358)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the original bill:
1. Clarify the certification requirements for licensed acupuncturists to be that the
individual:
(a) Holds active status with the National Certification Commission of
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
(b) Has successfully passed the certification examination, including the
Biomedicine portion of the examination, given by the NCCAOM.
2. Delete provision authorizing certification of an individual who has graduated
from a training program approved by the La. State Board of Medical Examiners.
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.