SB452 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Licensing of

Summary

This bill creates a state board to license and regulate acupuncture and oriental medicine in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It would create the Alabama Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to license and regulate acupuncture and oriental medicine techniques. The board would have four members appointed by the Governor (three licensed practitioners or certified by a national body, and one public member) with defined terms and duties. It sets licensing requirements (age 21, good moral character, passing prescribed exams or having reciprocal credentials) and allows annual license renewal with continuing education. It also gives the board enforcement power, including suspending or revoking licenses and seeking injunctions, and it establishes rules for scope of practice and use of professional titles.

Who It Affects

• Aspiring and current acupuncturists or oriental medicine practitioners in Alabama who would need to obtain and renew a state license and follow board rules.
• Patients and the public who would be protected by regulated practice and access to disciplinary actions against licensed practitioners.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to license and regulate practice.
• Board composition: four Governor-appointed members; three must be licensed or NCCT-certified practitioners; one public member; terms and diversity requirements.
• Licensing requirements: applicant must be 21 or older, of good moral character, pass prescribed exams or hold reciprocal credentials (including NCCT certification), and may be subject to continuing education; renewal annually.
• Reciprocity and competency: allows licensing for those with licenses from other states/countries if requirements are met and similar recognition is given.
• Fees: board may set application/license fees up to $200, renewal fees up to $150, and exam and other related fees; late renewal fees may apply; funds go to the board and state treasury.
• Discipline and enforcement: board can suspend, restrict, revoke, or deny licenses for listed offenses, with hearings and possible injunctive relief and civil penalties (up to $1,000 plus attorney fees).
• Scope of practice and titles: board can recognize specialization areas and designate practice titles (e.g., LAc, DOM) and ensure practitioners operate within their demonstrated competence.
• Regulatory and administrative structure: board maintains licensing records, promulgates rules under the Administrative Procedure Act, and is subject to Sunset Law with specific termination dates.
• Effective date and local funding note: act becomes effective after governor approval; local funding implications are addressed with a constitutional exemption because it defines a crime or modifies crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Acupuncture