Texas House Bill HB2869

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the provision of acupuncture services by a chiropractor under a certificate issued by the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2869 aims to enhance the scope of practice for licensed chiropractors in Texas, thereby allowing them to integrate acupuncture into their treatment options. This could potentially benefit patients by offering more holistic treatment approaches and easing access to acupuncture services. By formally recognizing acupuncture as part of chiropractic practice, the bill aligns with trends in complementary and alternative medicine and could draw more practitioners into the field.

Summary

House Bill 2869 seeks to amend the Texas Occupations Code to allow chiropractors to provide acupuncture services under a new certificate issued by the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The bill defines acupuncture within the scope of chiropractic practice and establishes requirements for chiropractors to receive certification for this additional service. Specifically, chiropractors must demonstrate they have completed a minimum of 100 hours of training in acupuncture from approved programs, emphasizing the intention to maintain professional standards while expanding treatment options for patients.

Contention

As with many healthcare-related legislative changes, there may be points of contention surrounding HB 2869. Some traditional medical practitioners may express concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of acupuncture when performed by chiropractors, arguing that specialized training is crucial for the safe application of this technique. There may also be debates about the appropriate scope of practice for chiropractors and whether integrating acupuncture might blur the lines between distinct healthcare professions, potentially leading to safety and regulatory issues.