§ 14-504. Acupuncture

   (a) Dentists. -- This section does not apply to a dentist performing acupuncture in connection with the practice of dentistry if the dentist is licensed or otherwise authorized to practice dentistry under Title 4 of this article.

(b) Registration required. -- Unless licensed under Title 1A of this article, a physician shall be registered by the Board before the physician may perform acupuncture in this State.

(c) Qualifications for registration. -- The Board shall register to perform acupuncture any physician who meets the following requirements:

   (1) (i) Successful completion of at least 200 hours of training in a program of study in acupuncture, including any examinations required under the program, approved for category 1 continuing medical education credit by an institution accredited or recognized by the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education; or

      (ii) Successful completion of a course of study approved by the Board which includes at least 200 hours of instruction in:

         1. General and basic aspects of acupuncture;

         2. Specific uses and techniques of acupuncture; and

         3. Indications and contraindications of acupuncture administration;

   (2) Ability to communicate in the English language;

   (3) Payment of application and registration fees; and

   (4) Other reasonable conditions determined by the Board.

(d) Place of performance. -- A physician who is registered under this section may perform acupuncture on or off the premises of the physician's office.

(e) Advertising. -- A physician who performs acupuncture may advertise only as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Board.

(f) Rules and regulations. -- The Board may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

(g) Reprimand, probation, suspension, and revocation. -- Subject to the hearing provisions of § 14-405 of this title, a disciplinary panel, on the affirmative vote of a majority of its quorum, may reprimand or place a physician who performs acupuncture on probation or suspend or revoke the registration of a physician for:

   (1) Any conduct prohibited under the provisions of this section or prohibited under any regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section;

   (2) Except in an emergency life-threatening situation where it is not feasible or practicable, failing to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines on universal precautions; or

   (3) Failing to display the notice required under subsection (h) of this section.

(h) Display of notice explaining Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines on universal precautions. -- If a physician who performs acupuncture is engaged in the private practice of acupuncture in this State, the physician who performs acupuncture shall display the notice developed under § 1-207 of this article conspicuously in each office where the physician is engaged in practice.

HISTORY: 1982, ch. 644; 1984, ch. 329; 1988, ch. 109, § 1; 1990, ch. 6, § 11; 1992, ch. 154, § 1; 1993, ch. 627, § 1, 2; 1994, ch. 620, § 1; 1995, ch. 3, § 1; 2002, ch. 158, § 1; 2003, ch. 252; 2010, ch. 72; 2011, ch. 65; 2013, ch. 401.