We've been inundated with email asking for clarification on various aspects of AB 918 and what it would mean if approved. For answers to a few of the most common questions, we turn to the California State Oriental Medical Association's AB 918 FAQ:
Does my licensure get grandfathered in to this new NCCAOM requirement? Many current CA licensees are eligible to apply for NCCAOM certification through a pathway offered directly by the NCCAOM. It requires updating your Clean Needle Technique (CNT) with the CCAOM, submission of other key docs (CA acupuncture license, degree diploma), plus a certification fee.
Does this new national affiliation now make it possible for me to practice in other states without having to take additional exams? Acupuncture licensure is specific to each state. Some states require that you pass all of the actual NCCAOM exam modules, other states require only a few modules, and other states require only an NCCAOM certification with no mention of specific tests.
Will AB 918 make it possible for practitioners from other states to gain licensure in California without meeting the other requirements? AB 918 will make it easier for CA acupuncturists to go to other states after practicing here because they already will have passed all of the NCCAOM exams. Practitioners from other states who have fewer didactic or clinical training hours, or who do not meet CA standards in any other aspect would not be eligible for licensure in CA simply because they have NCCAOM certification.
Does AB 918 get rid of the California Acupuncture Board (CAB) and their jurisdiction on public safety and oversight of CA Licensees? No, this bill only replaces the CALE with the NCCAOM exam. The CAB will be able to focus more so on public safety, issuing CA state licenses.
To access CSOMA's complete FAQ and a variety of other resources regarding AB 918, click here.
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