SF1746

This bill modifies licensing regulations for acupuncture and herbal medicine practice in Minnesota by amending various sections of Minnesota Statutes 2024. Key provisions include:

1. Expanded Definition of Acupuncture – Clarifies that acupuncture includes modern and traditional medical diagnostic methods and treatment techniques, including dry needling and trigger point therapy.

2. Scope of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Practice – Defines acupuncture and herbal medicine as a comprehensive system of primary health care using traditional Oriental medical theory, incorporating techniques such as acupuncture, massage, cupping, dietary guidelines, breathing exercises, and herbal therapies.

3. Acupuncture Needles Definition – Specifies the material and construction standards for acupuncture needles, ensuring compliance with CDC sterilization recommendations.

4. Board-Approved Continuing Education Changes – Updates requirements for continuing education courses, ensuring faculty expertise, relevancy to acupuncture and herbal medicine, and record maintenance for attendance.

5. Advisory Council Composition – Modifies the advisory council to the Board of Medical Practice for acupuncture to consist of seven members, including four licensed acupuncturists, a licensed physician who practices acupuncture, a certified chiropractor, and a public member who has received acupuncture treatment.

6. Practice Standards and Patient Consent – Requires practitioners to obtain informed consent from patients about their qualifications, potential side effects, and the importance of consulting a primary care physician. Also includes mandatory inquiry about conditions such as pacemakers or bleeding disorders.

7. Refinements in Scope of Practice – Details accepted treatment techniques, including diagnostic exams, acupuncture, stimulation methods, cupping, herbal therapies, dietary counseling, and patient education.

8. Patient Records Requirements – Mandates maintenance of patient records, including informed consent documentation, patient interviews, acupuncture diagnosis, treatment records, and evaluation notes.

9. Repeal of "Oriental Medicine" Definition – Eliminates the previous definition of "Oriental medicine," which described it as a system of healing arts based on balancing body energy.

These changes aim to modernize and clarify licensing regulations for acupuncturists and herbal medicine practitioners while maintaining professional standards and patient safety.