House Professional Licensure Committee Advances Gallagher Acupuncture Bill

On October 3, the House Professional Licensure Committee voted to report HB 1490, which updates the Acupuncture law, to the full House. The bill was unanimously reported as amended. The amendment, A02282  offered by bill sponsor Rep. Patrick Gallagher, changes “registered” to “licensed”; within the bill for practitioners of oriental medicine and gives the board discretion in developing and adopting regulations for continuing education for acupuncturists or practitioners of oriental medicine. The amendment was unanimously adopted. This amendment was included to make the bill compatible with recently approved state Board of Medicine regulations, which retained the POM license, rather than reducing it to a one-time registration.

The bill is expected to be considered in the House later in October, at which time a further amendment, offered by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York) to exempt physician acupuncturists from the additional continuing education hours required in the bill for LACs, may be considered. Members are encouraged to contact their state Representatives to support the bill when it is considered on the floor.