House Passes Quinn Bill Modernizing PA’s Acupuncture Law
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Chris Quinn (R-Delaware) that would modernize the Commonwealth’s 36 year-old Acupuncture Licensing Act.
“Acupuncture has been growing in popularity in our state and nation,” said Quinn. “It is important to make sure our licensing statutes for acupuncturists protects practitioners and their patients.”
According to the National Institute of Health, more than 10 million acupuncture treatments are administered annually in the United States. Quinn’s legislation,
House Bill 1186, will amend the Acupuncture Licensing Act of 1986 to provide for “title protection.” Title protection for a profession or trade restricts the use of the title to those individuals who have fulfilled the requirements for licensure.
“In requiring a license for acupuncture, we are promoting consumer confidence that any acupuncturist advertising in Pennsylvania has been adequately trained to practice the trade and public against unethical, unscrupulous and incompetent practitioners,” said Quinn.
“This legislation will also provide an opportunity for acupuncturists licensed in other states to attend or conduct educational events as well as volunteer in states of emergency in the Commonwealth.
“Finally, it will require a minimum of continued education for license renewal, bringing acupuncturists in line with requirements in other states and other licensed health care providers in Pennsylvania,” concluded Quinn.
House Bill 1186 now goes to the Senate for consideration.