A few weeks ago, we reported on the introduction of California Assembly Bill (A.B.) 918, legislation that, if passed into law, would replace the state's current acupuncture licensing examination with one or more of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams. There are now signs the bill may be amended in a single, significant way: by allowing applicants the option of taking either the state acupuncture examination (CALE) or the NCCAOM examination(s) as a requisite for licensure.
According to sources, the amendment remains under discussion, although highlights of a March 16 town hall meeting on the California State Oriental Medical Association website (posted March 17) note that taking the board exam is an option. The bill text does not reflect any such amendment yet.
A fundamental difference between the two exams (and by all accounts, the primary impetus for A.B. 918 being introduced) is that NCCAOM certification is increasingly recognized by other states. Thus, a practitioner deciding to move from California to another state with only the state licensing exam (CALE) in tow might face hurdles practicing in their new state – certainly without at least taking the "new" state's examination. On the other hand, a California emigrant armed with NCCAOM certification would have a smoother transition to practice in their new state of residency, particularly if that state recognizes NCCAOM certification.
As we noted in our first article, A.B. 918 is endorsed by CSOMA, which provides an education packet including a comprehensive FAQ and additional resources for acupuncturists on its website. For background on the bill and to track its progress through the California legislature, click here. To access CSOMA's A.B. 918 education packet, click here.
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The luo vessels are important in the treatment of mental health issues. They are conduits of “ying qi”: blood and fluids. We believe that the shen is “housed” in the heart and circulated through the blood, making a channel system that “conducts” ying qi ideal for treatment of the mind and emotions.
As our health care ecosystem continues to evolve, I’ve found an increased emphasis being placed on an integrative approach to patient care. As an acupuncturist, you are an essential part of this collaborative system and health care team, cooperating with a range of other professionals including medical doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, and others.
