Maine Laws & Details

Formal Education Requirements:  A minimum of 1,000 hours of classroom instruction in acupuncture and related subjects at an institution approved by the board and a minimum of 300 hours of clinical experience in the field of acupuncture.

Undergraduate Requirements:  Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, a license from the state to practice as a registered professional nurse, or successful completion of the training program and any competency examination required by the Board of Licensure in Medicine to be qualifed as a physician assistant.

Written Exam:  The NCCAOM examination in English is required.

Practical Exam:  None.

Other Eligibility Requirements:  Effective April 2004, certification is required for licensed acupuncturists to practice the formulation and dispensing of custom-made Chinese herbal formulations.  The board shall adopt rules specifying the training required for licensed acupuncturists to obtain the certification for custom-made Chinese herbal formulation.

Reciprocity/Endorsement:  Endorsement for acupuncture licensing is possible with a current, valid license to practice acupuncture from another state which has requirements at least equal to Maine's requirements.

Medical doctors and osteopaths may practice acupuncture in Maine without any specific training.

A physician assistant may use acupuncture if the supervising physician is competent in acupuncture, or if the physician assistant has access to such competence, and the supervising physician has delegated the authority to perform acupuncture.

Chiropractors must have at least 200 hours of board approved training in order to practice acupuncture.

Naturopathic Doctors may practice "naturopathic acupuncture" if they have completed a 1,300 hour, board approved acupuncture program and passed an examination administered by the NCCAOM.

NOTE: Look for a physician with formal training in the practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is an art and a science that takes years to master. While any licensed physician can stick needles into you, for a positive experience and results, find an acupuncturist with experience treating a similar condition (with acupuncture) to what you have.

Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Board of Complementary Health Care Providers
35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
(207) 624-8603

 
Practice Act: Title 32: Chapter 113-A, 02-502

Maine Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAAOM)
318 East Side Drive
Verona Island,  ME  04416

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