| (a) Acupuncture, and the related practices of acupressure
and meridian therapy, includes methods for diagnosing and treating
a patient by stimulating specific points on or within the musculoskeletal
system by various means, including manipulation, heat, cold, pressure,
vibration, laser, ultrasound, light electrocurrent, and the insertion
of acupuncture needles or solid filiform needles for the purpose of
obtaining a bio-positive reflex response by nerve stimulation.
(b) A licensee shall practice acupuncture only after
obtaining a permit from the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners
(Board).
(c) The Board shall place on each renewal license to
practice chiropractic a statement that a licensee who has met all
Board requirements is permitted to practice acupuncture.
(d) A licensee with an acupuncture permit may not delegate
the performance of acupuncture.
(e) A licensee in good standing with the Board may
obtain an acupuncture permit by:
(1) completing at least 100 hours of acupuncture training
and passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners' acupuncture
exam;
(2) demonstrating that the licensee had a chiropractic
license and passed an exam in a 100 hour acupuncture course before
January 1, 2010; or
(3) demonstrating that the licensee completed substantial
acupuncture training before January 1, 2000, and practiced acupuncture
for at least ten years before January 1, 2010.
(f) A licensee permitted to practice acupuncture must
complete a minimum of eight (8) hours in Board-approved acupuncture
courses every biennium.
(g) A licensee may apply for an acupuncture permit
by submitting a written request to the Board.
(h) A licensee practicing acupuncture shall not advertise
in a manner that suggests the licensee possesses a license to practice
acupuncture issued by the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners,
including using any of the terms "acupuncturist," "licensed acupuncturist,"
"L.Ac.," "Traditional Chinese Medicine," or "degreed in acupuncture."
(i) A licensee's advertising may include the terms
"Board Certified" or "Board Certified in Chiropractic Acupuncture"
if it also clearly identifies the nationally recognized certifying
board and credentials.
(j) Approved programs in clinical acupuncture or meridian
therapy offered by accredited chiropractic colleges or universities
are designed for doctors of chiropractic and other disciplines. These
courses are not intended as a substitute for a full curriculum teaching
traditional Chinese medicine; rather they focus on the principle,
theory, scientific findings, and practical modern application of acupuncture
as currently practiced by doctors of chiropractic.
(k) The practice of acupuncture by a licensee who has
not complied with the requirements of this section constitutes unprofessional
conduct and subjects the licensee to disciplinary action.
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| Source Note: The provisions of this §78.14 adopted to be effective December 5, 2018, 43 TexReg 7763; amended to be effective June 6, 2019, 44 TexReg 2709; amended to be effective September 10, 2020, 45 TexReg 6232 |
