Marisa Ochoa

The Licensing Committee meeting covered several topics, including public comments regarding proposed updates to the scope of practice (e.g., changing 'exercise' to 'therapeutic exercise' and updating Tui Na terminology), suggestions for increasing educational prerequisites to a bachelor's degree, and concerns about the illegal practice of dry needling. The committee discussed Clean Needle Technique (CNT) requirements, emphasizing the importance of single-use needles and potentially mandatory refresher courses, while noting that California defines needle piercing as acupuncture regardless of the term used. Discussions also focused on educational curriculum changes, particularly standardizing doctorate degree titles, with options such as DAcIM or DACH being considered, and aligning prerequisite science coursework with other health professions. The committee reviewed the current 75% in-house clinical hour requirement, noting divergence from ACAHM standards and discussing the potential benefits and logistical challenges of externships. Finally, the committee addressed the need to establish English proficiency requirements for foreign-trained and tutorial students not taking the licensing exam in English.

The meeting included reports on budget projections, noting that personal service adjustments are driving expenditure increases. The Licensing Report detailed licensing, continuing education, and exam results, with discussion focusing on strategies to reduce the delinquency rate (incentivized by a fee increase) and low examination pass rates for tutorial candidates. The Enforcement Report covered Q3 2024-25 data. The Business Modernization Update confirmed the completion of the continuing education audit module and progress on an enforcement module. The Licensing Committee reported on discussions regarding clean needle technique, curriculum standards, and professional titles like DAcH and DAcIM. The Board subsequently passed a motion to direct staff to develop regulations allowing licensees to earn Continuing Education (CE) credit for attending Board meetings, using the Board of Pharmacy regulation as a starting point. The Board also adopted amendments to Section 1399.451 of the California Code of Regulations to align hand hygiene requirements with CDC and CDPH guidelines, including the use of alcohol-based hand rubs. A presentation was given on acupuncture treatments for mental health. Finally, the Board reelected its President and Vice-President and approved increasing the Executive Officer's salary classification level from 'O' to 'N' and setting the salary to the maximum of level N.

The Enforcement Committee Meeting involved discussions and possible actions on several key items. The primary focus was updating the Consumer's Guide to Acupuncture Brochure, where staff presented a draft emphasizing consumer protection, rights, and recourse options. Public comments highlighted concerns regarding content accuracy, relevance to modern practice, visual engagement, and the need for clear regulatory guidance on scope of practice issues like dry needling. The committee also reviewed the Top Ten Enforcement Violations in the Practice of Acupuncture, covering issues such as practicing without a license, negligence, and sexual misconduct. Discussions followed regarding regulatory clarity on scope of practice (e.g., lasers), the utility of a disciplinary database, and potential healthcare fraud related to billing codes. Unscheduled public comments included a proposal to modernize the acupuncture tutorial program into a 300-hour clinical externship and concerns regarding Clean Needle Technique certification standards.

The Enforcement Committee meeting focused primarily on the discussion and possible action regarding updating the consumer's guide brochure for acupuncture. Key discussion points involved ensuring the draft text remains focused on consumer protection rather than professional advocacy, adhering to board purview limitations, and incorporating evidence-based information. Committee members and the public expressed concerns regarding terminology, specifically the balance between traditional concepts like Qi and modern, scientifically-based terminology like dry needling, and the need for clarity regarding treatable conditions. There was a motion to approve the minutes from the March 6, 2025 committee meeting.

The California Acupuncture Board meeting included discussions on various topics. The board reviewed expenditure and revenue projections, licensing data, continuing education, tutorial programs, and exam results. Concerns were raised regarding delinquent licensees, the licensee population, and examination pass rates, particularly for tutorial candidates. The board also discussed enforcement data, including complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions, with a specific inquiry about dry needling. Updates were provided on the business modernization efforts, including the development of an enforcement module and a continuing education audit module for the Connect system. The meeting also covered proposed standards of practice for telehealth services, retired status, restoration rulemaking, and potential reconsideration of previously approved text related to substance-abusing licensees.