| --Type Summary Here-- |
| April 1, 2002 |
| I support legislation that will standardize and acupuncture and oriental medicine training programs. |
| First, I support requiring 3,200 hours of standardized training, so that when a patient goes from one acupuncturist to another, they can expect a similar high standard of care. California approved schools currently teach an average of over 3,000 hours, some as much as 3,600 hours. That is over 1,000 hours of unstandardized education that students are paying tuition for, not knowing whether it will benefit them or not! Students need a solid core of education in sciences and clinical medicine, Oriental medicine theory and procedures, and supervised clinical practice. Clinical faculty should have at least five years of licensed clinical experience, so they can know what is important to teach. Schools need to be reviewed regularly to see that they are teaching appropriate coursework. I support 4,000 hours of training as soon as schools can develop good professional doctorate programs. |
| Second, I support including the phrase "acupuncture and oriental medicine" whenever possible, in order to differentiate the practice of simple acupuncture with needles from the much broader scope of oriental medicine, which includes Chinese herbal medicine, TuiNa (Chinese medical massage), exercise, Qi Gong, diet, and nutrition. Our profession has expanded well beyond the acupuncture technician status that we were limited to until 1979. |
| Third, I support protecting the terms "Chinese herbal medicine" and "Doctor of Oriental Medicine," so that only qualified acupuncturists can use these terms. I understand that the use of the title "Doctor" is already restricted by regulation, and that this will not allow every acupuncturist to use that title, only those who possess a legitimate degree or title from a school or other state or country. |
| Fourth, I support putting into law, very clearly, that we can "diagnose within the scope of practice of acupuncture and oriental medicine." We have been doing this since 1979, when a physician referral was no longer required. Patients cannot be treated without a diagnosis. Oriental Medicine makes use of both ancient and modern diagnostic methods, saving our patients time and money so they can see acupuncturists for most minor illnesses and injuries, as well as for wellness care. Also, since we commonly use liniments for many patients, and sell herbs and supplements from our clinics, I would like "administering" and "dispensing" herbs to be written in the law. |
| Our whole profession wants to have standardized education. Hopefully, by adopting a 3,200 hour standard, other states will catch up quickly, and acupuncturists will be able to move from state to state more easily. While many states are far behind in their educational standards, some states actually require higher standards than California, and most of the successful schools in the United States are already teaching over 3,000 hours. |
| Thank you for supporting acupuncture and Oriental medicine, our profession, and especially our patients. |
| Sincerely, |
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