Bill Seeks Requirements for Physicians Offering Acupuncture
Physicians, dentists and podiatrists would have to undergo additional training to practice acupuncture in California under a bill (AB 2152) by Assembly member Wilma Chan (D-Oakland), the Sacramento Bee reports.
To practice in California, acupuncturists have to complete at least 3,000 hours of training before sitting for a licensing exam under current state law. Physicians and surgeons currently can practice acupuncture in California without additional training.
Current law requires that dentists seeking to practice acupuncture take 50 hours of classes, complete 30 hours of clinical work and limit their acupuncture treatments to dentistry. Podiatrists must complete 25 hours of training to offer acupuncture services.
According to the Bee, Chan's bill would require that physicians undergo "extensive training" and pass a state licensing exam before practicing acupuncture. The bill also would increase current requirements for dentists and podiatrists.
Chan said she would consider amending the bill to avoid duplicative coursework requirements for physicians and to make exceptions for physicians, dentists and podiatrists who currently offer acupuncture.
The California Medical Association has not stated a position on the bill (Sanders, Sacramento Bee, 3/4).