The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes related to acupuncture, primarily focusing on updating definitions, licensure requirements, and continuing education standards. Notably, it revises the definition of "acupuncture" to replace the term "oriental" with "eastern" and introduces new definitions such as "direct supervision" and "practice of acupuncture." The licensure qualifications are also updated, requiring applicants to complete a 4-year course of study in acupuncture and eastern medicine, including 60 hours of study in injection therapy, and to pass a board-approved national examination. Additionally, the bill clarifies that acupuncturists licensed in other states can perform acupuncture procedures for educational purposes at board-approved programs.

The bill further mandates that continuing education programs must be approved by the board and contribute to the professional development of acupuncturists. It also removes obsolete provisions regarding infection control and specifies that all acupuncture needles used on patients must be sterile and disposable. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 803 Filed: 457.102, 457.107, 457.1085, 457.116
H 803 c1: 457.102, 457.1085, 457.116