The State of the States

Hot News! Michigan and Kentucky Pass Their First Law Regulating the Practice of Acupunctue

Michigan Passes Their First Law Regulating The Practice of Acupuncture

Governor Jennifer Granholm signed Michigan ’s first ever Acupuncture Law on February 23, 2006, recognizing practitioners of Acupuncture as Registered Acupuncturists. SB 351 was sponsored by Senator Beverly Hammerstom (R) and Representative Kevin Green (R). It passed unanimously in the State Senate and received 92% approval in the House of Representatives.  Much of the credit for the Bill's success belongs to Deborah Lincoln, Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM), and the other NCCAOM Diplomates who worked tirelessly to make this a reality.  NCCAOM supported this legislation during the entire legislative process.  We congratulate Michigan ’s practitioners and legislators for the impressive step forward. 

News Flash!  Kentucky Also Passes Law Regulating The Practice of Acupuncture 

HB 17, the first Bill in Kentucky to regulate the practice of acupuncture was signed by the Governor and will be inacted into law. The next stop will be the Governor’s office!  Shelley Ochs and Mimi Tagher, Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM), spent untold hours along with other NCCAOM Diplomates working to pass this law and we commend them for their efforts.  NCCAOM’s Associate Deputy Director, Betsy Smith, accompanied by Mina Larson, Director of Communications and Marketing, had the honor of testifying before the House Licensing and Occupations Committee and the Senate Health and Welfare Committee in support of this legislation.

Upcoming Meeting of FAOMRA, May 4-5, 2006, Keystone Resort, Keystone, CO

State Regulators and Board Members are invited to join the Federation of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Regulatory Agencies (FAOMRA) at their next national meeting on Thursday, May 4th and Friday, May 5th, 2006, at the AOMAlliance 13th Annual Conference and Expo to be held at:

Conference attendees receive a reduced rate of $110.00 per night; please refer to the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance web site for more information. At this meeting, FAOMRA will be hosting a continental breakfast both mornings. On Friday morning, individuals from the five national acupuncture organizations will discuss various issues. Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, NCCAOM Chief Executive Officer, will address FAOMRA on Friday morning.  Bring your questions!