Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to apply for membership on the Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Advisory Committee?

The Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Advisory Committee consists of five members. Four members must be an acupuncturist or acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner licensed in Washington State with no less than five years' experience in the practice of Acupuncture and Eastern medicine. They must be actively engaged in practice within two years of appointment. The fifth member must be appointed from the public at large, and must have an interest in the rights of consumers of health services. All members are appointed by the secretary of the Department of Health. Each member of the committee must be a resident of Washington State.

Where may I find information on applying for a position on the Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Advisory Committee?

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for appointment, see this webpage for more information. In addition, please submit a current resume.

Is the plan for consultation, emergency transfer and referral still required?

Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1045, passed during the 2015 legislative session, and amended the law relating to East Asian medicine practitioners. The new law was effective July 24, 2015. The law removed the requirement for licensees to submit a written plan for consultation, emergency transfer and referral to other health care practitioners. After July 24, 2015, the written plan is no longer required to be submitted with the initial application for licensure or annually with the license renewal fee.

Which title may I use?

You may refer to yourself as an acupuncturist, licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner, or a combination of any of these.

May I use the title doctor?

An acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner may not use the title "doctor," "Dr.," or "Ph.D." on any advertising or other printed material unless the nature of the degree is clearly stated.

Do I have to provide all of the services listed in the law?

No. A practitioner should never perform a technique he or she is not adequately trained in or comfortable providing.

Do I have to be licensed as an acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner to practice all of the techniques?

The law allows a person to do the following techniques or services without being licensed as an acupuncturist or acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner:

  • Dietary advice and health education based on acupuncture and Eastern medical theory. This includes the recommendation and sale of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and dietary and nutritional supplements
  • Breathing, relaxation, and Eastern exercise techniques
  • Qi gong
  • Eastern massage and tui na. Tui na is a method of Eastern bodywork characterized by the kneading, pressing, rolling, shaking, and stretching of the body and does not include spinal manipulation
  • Superficial heat and cold therapies
  • Selling herbal products.

The techniques or services listed above may be within the scope of practice for another health care profession. You may need to hold another health care credential in order to perform them.

If I see a patient with a potentially serious disorder and the patient refuses to authorize a consultation or to provide a recent diagnosis from a primary health care provider, can I continue the treatment?

You may continue the patient's treatment only after the patient signs a written waiver. The waiver acknowledges the risks associated with failure to pursue treatment from a primary health care provider.

What do I have to include in the written waiver?

Law requires the waiver to include:

  • An explanation of acupuncturist or acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioners' scope of practice, to include the services and techniques they can provide; and
  • A statement that the services and techniques the acupuncturist or acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner is authorized to provide will not resolve the patient's underlying potentially serious disorder.
Where may I get a copy of the sample written waiver?

You may find a sample of the written waiver here (PDF).

Where may I get a copy of the form used to inform patients of my scope of practice and qualifications?

You may find a sample of the scope of practice and qualifications here.

What examinations are required in order to be licensed?

You must pass the following National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examinations:

  • Foundations of Oriental Medicine module
  • Acupuncture with point location module
  • Biomedicine module

You must also pass the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) clean needle technique course.

May I still be trained by apprenticeship and/or tutorial?

Effective July 28, 2019 training by apprenticeship and/or tutorial is no longer available.

Can I be licensed if I graduated from a school, college, or program that was not in the United States?

Yes, but the law changed the requirements for licensing. You must now obtain a credentialing evaluation report from the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). You must have the report sent directly from the ICD to the department.

Is there a time limit to how long my license can be on an inactive status?

Yes, the rule now has a three year time limit. Refer to WAC 246-803-400 "Inactive Status for Requirements."

Who do I contact if I need additional information?

You may contact the Customer Service Office by phone at 360-236-4700 or by email at hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov.

If my license expired, how do I get it reinstated?

Refer to WAC 246-12-040 - How to return to active status when a credential has expired.

How may I keep informed of changes to the How may I keep informed of changes to the acupuncturist or acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner program and/or rules?

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