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q & a
q & a
Q. WHO CAN PERFORM ACUPUNCTURE?
A. Acupuncturists who maintain a valid license issued by the
Acupuncture Board and physicians licensed by the Medical Board
of California. A dentist or podiatrist licensed in California
may also practice acupuncture, only within the scope of their
respective licenses and if they have completed the necessary
training required by their respective licensing board.
Q. WHAT IS AN ACUPUNCTURIST ALLOWED TO DO?
A. An acupuncturist is allowed to engage in the practice of
acupuncture, electroacupuncture, perform or prescribe the use of
oriental massage, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, breathing
techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet,
herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary
supplements to promote, maintain, and restore health pursuant to
Business & Professions Code Section 4937.
Q. WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
A. Needles are sterile, generally cause no bleeding upon entry
or removal, with little or no pain being felt; however, slight
bruising may be experienced on occasion. The number of
treatments necessary will depend upon your condition, if your
symptoms are chronic or acute and your health in general. The
needles may vary in size, depending upon your condition and the
course of treatment prescribed. In addition to needling your
treatment may also include a variety of non-needling techniques
such as moxibustion (heat), acupressure, herbal formulas, etc.
One advantage of acupuncture treatment is the absence of serious
side effects which may result from the use of prescription
drugs.
Q. WHAT DO THE INITIALS "O.M.D." STAND FOR?
A. The initials O.M.D. stand for "Oriental Medical Doctor", this
is an academic title (similar to Ph.D.). This title may only be
used by those licensed acupuncturists who possess an earned
doctorate degree, from a California accredited, approved and/or
authorized educational institute as set forth in Section 94760
of the California Education Code. These initials must be used in
conjunction with the representation that the individual is a
licensed acupuncturist as set forth in Business & Professions
Code, Section 4927 and 4937, the California Code of Regulations,
Title 16, Section 1399.456, and Attorney General Opinion No.
87-103 .
Q. CAN AN ACUPUNCTURIST CALL THEMSELF A DOCTOR?
A. See California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section
1399.456.
Q. DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY REGULAR DOCTOR TO SEE AN
ACUPUNCTURIST AND WILL MY INSURANCE COVER ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
A. An acupuncturist is considered a primary care provider and a
referral may or may not be required for insurance purposes. Many
insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment. For more
information on insurance, please contact either your insurance
company or an acupuncture association.
Q. ARE ACUPUNCTURISTS REQUIRED TO USE DISPOSABLE
NEEDLES?
A. Yes. It is unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use
a needle more than once. California Code of Regulations, Title
16, Section 1399.454.
Q. CAN AN ACUPUNCTURIST GIVE INJECTIONS OF ANY KIND?
A. No. Never. Acupuncturists cannot give injections, nor can
they perform acupuncture with a hypodermic needle, pursuant to
California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 1399.451(f).
Q. I READ AN ADVERTISEMENT WHERE AN ACUPUNCTURIST CLAIMS
THE ABILITY TO CURE MY DISEASE. IS THIS LEGAL?
A. No. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 16,
Section 1399.451(b) it is improper for an acupuncturist to
disseminate any advertising which represents in any manner that
they can cure any type of disease, condition or symptom.
Q. DOES CALIFORNIA HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER STATES?
A. No. The Acupuncture Board does not recognize reciprocity, nor
does it accept for licensure those individuals who take and pass
the national examination (administered by the National
Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).
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