This bill updates the licensing requirements and terminology for acupuncture and herbal medicine in Minnesota, amending several sections of the Minnesota Statutes. It revises the definition of "complementary and alternative health care practices" to exclude the term "Oriental" and introduces new definitions for "acupuncture" and "herbal medicine," highlighting a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The certification body is changed from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM). The bill also outlines exceptions for practicing acupuncture without a license and establishes requirements for licensure, renewal, and continuing education to ensure practitioners remain knowledgeable in their field.

Additionally, the bill expands the scope of practice for acupuncture practitioners to include herbal medicine and various diagnostic and treatment services while removing references to traditional practices like Oriental medical theory. It requires practitioners to confirm if patients have been examined by a licensed physician and to obtain informed consent, which no longer needs to be in writing. The bill mandates detailed patient record-keeping and clarifies that these changes do not impact the existing scope of practice for other licensed health care professionals. It also repeals the previous definition of "Oriental medicine," promoting a more modern understanding of acupuncture and herbal medicine that integrates various therapeutic modalities and dietary guidance, thereby enhancing patient safety and informed consent.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 147B.01, 147B.03, 147B.05, 147B.06
1st Engrossment: 147B.01, 147B.03, 147B.05, 147B.06
2nd Engrossment: 146A.01, 147B.01, 147B.02, 147B.03, 147B.05, 147B.06