This bill proposes modifications to the licensing and practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine in Minnesota. Key aspects of the bill include:

1. Expanded Definition of Acupuncture (Sec. 1)

   • Acupuncture now explicitly includes various treatment techniques such as dry needling, trigger point therapy, and intramuscular therapy.
     
   • Incorporates modern and traditional diagnostic methods, heat, massage, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy techniques.

2. Updated Definition of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Practice (Sec. 2)

   • The practice is described as a comprehensive system of primary healthcare based on Oriental medicine.
     
   • Includes acupuncture, cupping, dermal friction, therapeutic massage, herbal therapies, dietary guidelines, and mind-body exercises.

3. Revised Standards for Acupuncture Needles (Sec. 3)

   • Specifies that acupuncture needles must be made of materials like stainless steel, gold, or silver, and must be sterilizable according to CDC recommendations.

4. Clarifications on Treatment Techniques and Herbal Medicine (Secs. 4–5)

   • Defines breathing techniques and herbal therapies as part of acupuncture and herbal medicine.

5. Changes to Continuing Education Requirements (Secs. 6–7)

   • Updates standards for board approval of continuing education programs with stricter guidelines regarding faculty expertise.
     
   • Expands acceptable educational topics but explicitly excludes practice management courses.

6. Modifications to the Advisory Council (Sec. 8)

   • The council will consist of seven members, including licensed acupuncture practitioners, a physician or osteopath practicing acupuncture, a chiropractor with NCCAOM certification, and a public member who has received acupuncture treatment.

7. Updated Practice Standards (Sec. 9)

   • Requires practitioners to confirm whether a patient has consulted a licensed physician or other healthcare professional.
     
   • Expands informed consent requirements to include practitioner qualifications and potential side effects, such as pain or minor bruising.
     
   • Requires patients to acknowledge they were advised to consult their primary care physician.
     
   • Mandates practitioners inquire about pacemakers or bleeding disorders before treatment.

8. Expanded Scope of Practice (Sec. 10)

   • Allows licensed acupuncturists to use diagnostic methods, physical exams, basic imaging, and laboratory tests within the scope of their practice.
     
   • Details a range of treatment techniques including acupuncture, cupping, herbal therapies, dietary counseling, breathing techniques, and massage.
     
   • Approves the use of acupuncture-related stimulation techniques involving lasers, sound, vibration, electricity, and magnets.
     
   • Permits counseling on physical, emotional, and spiritual balance based on Oriental medicine principles.

9. Requirements for Patient Records (Sec. 11)

   • Acupuncturists must maintain records including informed consent, medical history, diagnosis, treatment records, and patient instructions.

10. Repeal of the Definition of Oriental Medicine (Sec. 12)

    • The term "Oriental medicine" is removed from statute, replacing it with specific descriptions of acupuncture and herbal medicine practices.

This bill aims to modernize and refine the regulation of acupuncture and herbal medicine in Minnesota by broadening its scope of practice, clarifying standards, and strengthening licensing and educational requirements.