| (a) A licensed Texas acupuncturist operating an acupuncture school in Texas which has not yet been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or reached candidate status for accreditation by ACAOM, a licensed Texas acupuncturist with any ownership interest in such a school, or a licensed Texas acupuncturist who teaches in or operates such a school, shall ensure that students of the school and applicants to the school are made aware of the provisions of the Medical Practice Act governing acupuncture practice, the rules and regulations adopted by the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners, and the educational requirements for obtaining a Texas acupuncture license to include the rules and regulations establishing the criteria for an approved acupuncture school for purposes of licensure as an acupuncturist by the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners as set forth in subsection (b) of this section. (b) Compliance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be accomplished by providing students and applicants with a copy of Subchapter H of the Act, a copy of Chapter 183 (Acupuncture) contained in the Rules of the Texas Medical Board, and the following typed statement: Attached Graphic (c) A licensed Texas acupuncturist who operates, teaches at, or owns, in whole or in part, a Texas acupuncture school which is not accredited by ACAOM or is not a candidate for ACAOM accreditation shall not state directly or indirectly, explicitly or by implication, orally or in writing, either personally or through an agent of the acupuncturist or the school, that the school is endorsed, accredited, registered with, affiliated with, or otherwise approved by the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners for any purpose. (d) Failure to comply with the requirements or abide by the prohibitions of this section shall be grounds for disciplinary action against a licensed Texas acupuncturist who operates, teaches at, or owns, in whole or in part, a Texas acupuncture school which is not accredited by ACAOM or is not a candidate for ACAOM accreditation. Such disciplinary action shall be based on the violation of a rule of the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners as provided for in the Act, §205.351(a)(6). (e) For purposes of licensure and regulation of acupuncturists practicing in Texas, ACAOM approved acupuncture schools in Texas meeting the criteria set forth in §183.2 of this title (relating to Definitions) may issue masters of science in oriental medicine degrees in a manner consistent with the laws of the State of Texas. The Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners shall recognize any such lawfully issued degrees. For purposes of licensure and regulation of acupuncturists practicing in Texas, acupuncture schools in Texas which are ACAOM candidates for masters level programs in acupuncture and oriental medicine and who have issued diplomas or degrees during the period of candidacy, may upgrade such degrees to masters degrees upon obtaining full ACAOM accreditation. The Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners shall recognize any such lawfully upgraded degrees. |
| Source Note: The provisions of this §183.16 adopted to be effective March 6, 2003, 28 TexReg 1883; amended to be effective September 12, 2004, 29 TexReg 8511; amended to be effective May 1, 2006, 31 TexReg 3534 |
