This bill modifies the licensing and regulations for acupuncture and herbal medicine practice in Minnesota. The key provisions include:

1. Expanded Definition of Acupuncture – Acupuncture is defined to include both modern and traditional diagnostic and treatment methods. It covers the insertion of needles and various acupuncture point stimulation techniques such as heat, massage, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation.

2. Comprehensive Scope of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine – Acupuncture and herbal medicine are described as primary health care systems using Oriental medical theory for diagnosis and treatment. Techniques specified in the bill include acupuncture, cupping, massage, electrical stimulation, herbal therapies, breathing exercises, and dietary counseling.

3. Clarifications of Equipment Standards – Defines acupuncture needles, specifying their solid core, tapered point, and required materials (stainless steel, gold, silver, or other approved materials that can be sterilized).

4. Board-Approved Continuing Education – Specifies requirements for acupuncture continuing education, including relevant topics (e.g., Oriental medical theory, herbal medicine, anatomy, physiology). Business and practice management courses are excluded.

5. Licensing Advisory Council Modifications – The advisory council to the Board of Medical Practice will consist of seven members: four licensed acupuncturists, one physician who also practices acupuncture, one chiropractor certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and one public member who has received acupuncture treatment.

6. Updated Practice Standards:

   • Acupuncturists must verify whether a patient has been examined by a licensed physician or another health professional before treatment.
   • Practitioners must provide written informed consent outlining their qualifications, the scope of acupuncture practice, and potential side effects.
   • Patients must acknowledge in writing that they have been advised to consult their primary care physician.

7. Expanded Scope of Practice:

   • Acupuncturists can assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans based on Oriental medical theory.
   • Licensed acupuncturists may conduct basic diagnostic exams and tests to guide treatment but must refer patients to other health care providers for conditions beyond their expertise.
   • Permitted treatment methods include acupuncture needle insertion, electrical stimulation, cupping, dermal friction, acupressure, herbal therapies, dietary counseling, breathing techniques, and Oriental massage.
   • Allows the use of therapeutic exercises and biofeedback devices that involve heat, cold, light, sound, pressure, and electromagnetic energy.

8. Record-Keeping Requirements – Acupuncturists must maintain detailed patient records, including informed consent forms, medical history, diagnoses, treatment records, and patient evaluations.

9. Repeal of "Oriental Medicine" Definition – The previous definition of "Oriental medicine," which focused on energy balance, is repealed.

This bill seeks to modernize and clarify the licensing and regulatory framework for acupuncture and herbal medicine, ensuring patient safety while broadening the scope of permitted practices.