Regulation of practice

In California, acupuncturists must be licensed by the California Acupuncture Board (www.acupuncture.ca.gov), who has established guidelines for education and practice. They administer a licensing examination which is the most comprehensive and difficult in the country. California acupuncturists are trained and tested in all aspects of Chinese medicine and in basic western medicine. The training required of all licensees in California is as follows:

1) Completion of a four year course of study in Chinese medicine and western medicine at an accredited acupuncture school.

2) A 1000 hour clinical internship.

3) One year of "pre-med" science courses.

4) This leads to a Master of Science Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM). The masters degree is the highest degree available in the profession at this time.

5) A passing score on both the written and practical portions of the state board exam.

In California acupuncturists are considered primary providers of medical care. They are licensed to diagnose and treat patients and can be reimbursed by workers compensation insurance and by health insurance companies which cover acupuncture.

Nationally, standards of practice have been established by NCCAOM, the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.nccaom.org). The NCCAOM administers separate exams in both Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. All practitioners certified by this commission or the state of California comply with strict requirements for sterile needles.