Washington, DC

Effective in July 2004, legislation of acupuncture in the District of Columbia was modified via a bill that was introduced in 2003 to establish legislation for the practice of naturopathic medicine in DC. This was the vehicle through which the requirement for physician collaboration was eliminated.

Original acupuncture regulations can be viewed by clicking here.

The update to the legislation can be viewed by doing the following:

Go to:  http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/
    - select Legislation (left margin)
    - select View Status of Bill or Resolution

Enter Leg #: B15-0057

This will show you "PRACTICE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE LICENSING AMENDMENT ACT OF 2003".

A15-0419

It was the amendment of this bill that eliminated the physician collaboration requirement under the previous legislation. The text of this Act specifically states, "A licensed acupuncturist does not need to enter into a collaboration agreement with a licensed physician or osteopath to practice acupuncture." This same act also protected and upheld the high standards that we have come to expect in the Chinese Medical profession. In the "Practice of Naturopathic Medicine Licensing Amendment Act of 2004", the DC Acupuncture Society was able to successfully amend the Scope of Practice in the act, to read "The term "practice of naturopathic medicine" does not include the practices of physical therapy, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, or chiropractic.".

    - select View Legislation Online
    - then Click to see the Document

LICENSE APPLICATION

To apply for a license in the District of Columbia, follow these steps:

http://www.dchealth.dc.gov/doh/site/default.asp

    - select Professional Licensing
    - select Professional Licensing Boards/Registrations
    - select Acupuncture
   -    select Application Package and follow the specific instruction provided.

LICENSE RENEWAL

License renewals can be done by following these steps. Go to:
http://www.dchealth.dc.gov/doh/site/default.asp

    - select Professional Licensing
    - select Professional Licensing Boards/Registrations
    - select Acupuncture

Online Application: At this time, only the application form may be filled out online. However, the form cannot be submitted electronically; you must include a printed version with the other items listed in the chart to complete the application package. Fill in the information online, print the form, sign it, and mail it with the rest of your items.