SB384 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, licensing and regulation of, established

Summary

SB384 would create a state board to license and regulate acupuncture and Oriental medicine in Alabama and set rules, penalties, and qualifications for practitioners.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Alabama Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to license and regulate the practice. It defines the board's makeup, duties, and the rules for licensure, including education and ethics standards. It sets licensing requirements (age, character, exams or certification, and possible reciprocity), annual license renewal with optional continuing education, and penalties for violations, including possible suspensions, revocations, or injunctions. It also creates safeguards such as a public roster, a code of ethics, and disciplinary processes, with an effective date for licensure starting July 1, 2015, and a Sunset provision for future review.

Who It Affects

• Prospective and current acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners: must obtain and renew a state license, meet education and examination requirements, and may be subject to discipline for violations.
• Alabama residents and patients seeking acupuncture or Oriental medicine: benefit from a licensed, regulated, and ethically guided practice and access to a publicly available roster of licensed practitioners.

Key Provisions

• Creation of the Alabama Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to license and regulate acupuncture and Oriental medicine techniques.
• Board composition: four members (three licensed/certified practitioners and one public member), with terms and governance rules, including meetings and ethics requirements.
• Licensing framework: minimum age 21, good moral character, examinations or reciprocal licensing, continuing education, and annual license renewal.
• Fees: application/license up to $600, renewal up to $200, reissuance up to $100, plus exam fees and potential late renewal fees.
• Disciplinary powers: suspension, restriction, or revocation of licenses; notices, hearings, and potential injunctive relief; civil penalties up to $2,000 plus attorney fees.
• Practice scope and titles: board may designate areas of specialization and approved professional titles (e.g., LAc, DOM, OM).
• Effective date and sunset: licensure required starting July 1, 2015; the board is subject to sunset review with a termination date and reappointment cycle every four years.
• Local funds and constitution note: bill notes it would involve a new local expenditure but is exempt from certain local-funding rules by exceptions in the Constitution.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Acupuncture