After the Wyoming Acupuncture Society (WAS) worked with the authors of HB 165 (also known as the Wyoming Acupuncture Practice Act), they were there to witness the signing of the newly passed bill by Governor Matt Mead. This is the state's first law regulating acupuncture, however, it is the 47th state to put such a law into practice.
"With nearly 100 percent of Wyoming's acupuncturists backing this bill and very supportive legislative bill sponsors, we were able to successfully share our story of why regulating acupuncture is so important," said Whitney Fessler, president of the Wyoming Acupuncture Society. "We look forward to increasing the availability of acupuncture in all corners of rural Wyoming."
About the Bill
The practice act's objective was to regulate the practice of acupuncture; provide rulemaking authority (including the siting of penalties); and to discourage untrained or inexperienced practitioners from performing acupuncture — with the hope of reducing risk to patients.
The bill requires Wyo. acupuncturists to graduate from an education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
Graduates must also pass National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams. The law will go into effect January 1, 2018.
In response to this achievement ASA president, Dr. David Miller said, "The American Society of Acupuncturists is delighted to welcome Wyoming to the ranks of states with professional acupuncture regulation. It is an incredible effort to bring such a transformation about, and we give heartfelt kudos to all of those in Wyoming at the center of this work. Through strengthening our representation at the state level via our professional associations, we can truly alter the face of medical practice in the United States. This work exemplifies that potential."
For more information about acupuncture licensing, please visit asacu.com.
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