The
New York State Acupuncture Coalition addresses the fact that many acupuncturists are trained in and practicing
herbal recommendation according to Oriental medicine principles in
their practices, yet there has been no regulation of this practice. The
coalition seeks to regulate herbal practice within the acupuncture
statute not only to ensure protection for practitioners to continue
their practice of herbs but, more importantly, to protect the public by
setting the standards for safe practice of herbs.
The coalition is conducting a grassroots movement to successfully enact
legislative statutory changes to the AOM Licensing Law to more clearly
define acupuncture scope of practice, better protect the public, and
self regulate our profession.
The coalition is comprised of practitioners, students, alumni
associations, professional associations, schools, and patient
supporters. This coalition is unique in that, for the first time, it
will be proactively seeking to amend legislation in favor the long-term
interest and protection of the practice.
As of today, a number of New York schools, including Pacific College
of Oriental Medicine, Touro College, New York Chiropractic College, New
York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tri-State College of
Acupuncture and members of the faculty of the Swedish Institute
Acupuncture Program, have stated their support of the coalition's
efforts. Additionally, The Acupuncture Society of New York, High Falls
Garden, TCM World Foundation, American Traditional Chinese Medicine
Society, and United Alliance of New York State Licensed Acupuncturists
are in full support of the coalition's efforts.
You can download the Legislative Guide 2008 from the NYSAC home page. Find an overview of
NYSAC's legislative goals here.
