Regulation of acupuncture in US

Regulation of acupuncture is done by various governmental bodies to ensure safe practice, and varies among and within countries. In the US, acupuncture is practiced by a variety of healthcare providers. Those who specialize in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are usually referred to as "licensed acupuncturists". Other healthcare providers such as physicians, dentists and chiropractors sometimes also practice acupuncture, though they may often receive less training than licensed acupuncturists. They generally receive from 2500 to 4000 hours of training in Chinese medical theory, acupuncture, and basic biosciences. Some also receive training in Chinese herbology and/or bodywork. The amount of training required for healthcare providers who are not licensed varies from none to a few hundred hours, and in Hawaii the practice of acupuncture requires full training as a licensed acupuncturist. Many states require this test for licensing, but each state has its own laws and requirements. Most states allow acupuncturists to practice without a referral from another medical practitioner.

Professional degrees are usually at the level of a Master's degree the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is beginning the process of accrediting the "Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine" (DAOM) degree, and this new degree will represent the terminal degree in the field. The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and Bastyr University were the first two institutions in the United States to offer the DAOM. The titles "O.M.D." (Doctor of Oriental Medicine) and "C.M.D." (Doctor of Chinese Medicine) are sometimes used by graduates of Chinese medical schools who have received the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree. "O.M.D." may also signify a degree, granted by certain American schools, indicating a year or two of study beyond the Master's level. The O.M.D. and C.M.D. are not recognized by the ACAOM. Acupuncturists are required to obtain continuing education credit to retain their licenses. There are three bodies that approve continuing education courses for re-licensure: the California Acupuncture Board, the Florida Board of Acupuncture, and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The NCCAOM and Florida Acupuncture Board calculate continuing education credit hours based on the calculation that sixty minutes of course time equals one continuing education point or unit. The California Acupuncture Board calculates that one continuing education unit is awarded for fifty minutes of course time and limits distance education to fifty percent of total CEU’s. Acupuncture is becoming accepted by the general public and by doctors. Over fifteen million Americans tried acupuncture in 1994. A poll of American doctors in 2005 showed that 59% believe acupuncture was at least somewhat effective, with the percentage increasing to 75% if acupuncture is considered as a complement to conventional treatment.

In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration changed the status of acupuncture needles from Class III to Class II medical devices, meaning that needles are regarded as safe and effective when used appropriately by licensed practitioners