Rule 360-6-.03 - Licensure Requirements for Acupuncture(1) Each applicant for licensure as an acupuncturist must meet the requirements listed below. (a) An affidavit that the applicant is a United States citizen, a legal permanent resident of the United States, or that he/she is a qualified alien or non-immigrant under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act. If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen, he/she must submit documentation that will determine his/her qualified alien status. The Board participates in the DHS-USCIS SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements or "SAVE") program for the purpose of verifying citizenship and immigration status information of non-citizens. If the applicant is a qualified alien or non-immigrant under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act, he/she must provide the alien number issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other federal immigration agency.(b) Must be at least 21 years of age and of good moral character;(c) Submit a completed application required by the Board. Said application shall not be considered completed until all fees have been paid and all required documents have been received by the Board;(d) Must submit three (3) acceptable references from practicing acupuncturists familiar with the applicant's practice.(e) Have successfully completed a degree in acupuncture or a formal course of study and training in acupuncture. The applicant shall submit documentation satisfactory to the board to show that such education or course of study and training was: 1. Completed at a school that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or other accrediting entity approved by the board; or2. Completed by means of a program of acupuncture study and training that is substantially equivalent to the acupuncture education offered by an accredited school of acupuncture approved by the board.(f) Have passed an acupuncture examination offered by an organization accredited by the National Organization of Competency Assurance and approved by the board;(g) Submit proof of certification in acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine;(h) Completed successfully a clean needle technique course approved by the Board; and(i) Submitted proof of having professional liability insurance of at least $100,000/$300,000. 1. If the licensee changes liability carriers, is canceled by a liability carrier, or cancels liability coverage, the licensee must notify the Board within thirty (30) days of the date of change or cancellation.2. Failure to maintain liability coverage, pursuant to the Act, may result in suspension of the license for acupuncture.(i) An applicant must submit all documentation required for the application process within twelve months from the date the Board receives the application.(2) Every person who holds a license issued by the Board shall inform the Board of any change of address and any other change of information, including but not limited to professional liability coverage, for licensure by this Rule or the Act.(3) The titles "Licensed Acupuncturist" and "Acupuncturist" shall only be used by persons licensed to practice acupuncture pursuant to the Act and these Rules.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 360-6-.03
O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-34-5, 43-34-63, 43-34-64, 43-34-66, 43-34-70, 43-34-72, 43-39-5.
Original Rule entitled "Licensure Requirements for Acupuncture" adopted as ER. 360-6-0.10-.03 . F. Aug. 10, 2000; eff. Aug. 21, 2000, as specified by the Agency.Amended: Permanent Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 20, 2000; eff. Dec. 10, 2000.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 16, 2001; eff. Feb. 5, 2001.Amended: F. June 11, 2001; eff. July 1, 2001.Amended: F. Sept. 19, 2007; eff. Oct. 9, 2007.Amended: F. Dec. 14, 2007; eff. Jan. 3, 2008.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Oct. 6, 2009; eff. Oct. 26, 2009.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 13, 2014; eff. Feb. 2, 2014.Amended: F. Apr. 17, 2023; eff. May 7, 2023.