Section 1806.1 - Acupuncture educational programs(a) Approval.--The Department of Education of the Commonwealth shall approve any acupuncture educational program that meets the relevant and appropriate requirements of 22 Pa. Code (relating to education) and 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries) and that meets or exceeds the standards required for acupuncture or oriental medicine programs established by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.(b) Continuing education.-- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), acupuncturists must attend and complete 30 hours of mandatory continuing education during each two-year license period. Nationally certified education courses shall be considered as creditable, in addition to any other courses the board deems creditable toward meeting the requirements for continuing education. Credit may not be given for any course in office management or practice building.(2) An individual applying for the first time for licensure as an acupuncturist in this Commonwealth shall be exempted from the continuing education requirements under paragraph (1) for the biennial renewal period following initial licensure.(3) A licensed physician who is also an acupuncturist shall complete at least nine credit hours of mandatory continuing education during each two-year license period as part of the licensed physician's continuing education requirement under the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, or the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L.1109, No.261), known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.(4) The board shall adopt, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this act establishing requirements of continuing education to be met by individuals licensed as acupuncturists or practitioners of Oriental medicine under this act as a condition for renewal of their licenses. The regulations shall include any fees necessary for the board to carry out its responsibilities under this section. Amended by P.L. (number not assigned at time of publication) 2024 No. 38,§ 3, eff. 8/30/2024. 1986 , Feb. 14, P.L. 2, No. 2, § 6.1, added 2002, May 16, P.L. 326, No. 49, § 3, effective in 60 days.