All Roll Calls
Yes: 170 • No: 2
MarylandHB 03742026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
State Acupuncture Board - Revisions
Sponsored By: Jennifer White Holland (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Health OccupationsAcupuncturistsCommittees and CommissionsComplementary and Alternative MedicineCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.EthicsFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Licenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMedical TreatmentsRules and RegulationsWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Proof of license renewal easier
The Board renews licenses for people who meet renewal rules and makes proof of renewal available. This replaces issuing a separate renewal certificate. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.
Tougher penalties for unlicensed acupuncture
The law bans hiring someone to practice acupuncture without a license and aiding unauthorized practice. Violating §1A‑401 or §1A‑402 can bring a misdemeanor, a fine up to $5,000, jail up to 3 years, and a civil fine up to $50,000. Violating §1A‑403: first offense is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $5,000 or up to 1 year in jail, or both; later offenses are felonies with a fine up to $5,000 per day or up to 5 years in jail, or both; plus a civil fine up to $10,000. The Board sends collected penalties to the State General Fund. These rules take effect October 1, 2026.
Wider acupuncture scope and supervision
The law expands what counts as acupuncture. It now includes manual, mechanical, thermal, and electrical therapies done under East Asian medical principles, like acupressure. It defines auricular detoxification as acupuncture. Licensed acupuncturists may supervise auricular detoxification with on‑site direct or general supervision, as set by the Board. These rules take effect October 1, 2026.
Stricter license rules for acupuncturists
The law sets two licensure paths based on when your license is issued. On or before May 31, 2026: you may qualify by either finishing an approved master’s program or passing the NCCAOM exam (or a Board‑approved equivalent). On or after June 1, 2026: you must both finish an approved master’s program and pass the NCCAOM exam (or equivalent). The law also recognizes the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine as an accepted accreditor. These rules take effect October 1, 2026.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Heather Bagnall
Democratic • House
Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House
Guy Guzzone
Democratic • Senate
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Nicholaus R. Kipke
Republican • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Todd B. Morgan
Republican • House
Ashanti Martinez
House
Teresa E. Reilly
Republican • House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Kathy Szeliga
Republican • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2
House vote • 3/20/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 127 • No: 2 • Other: 12
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 233
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/9/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (43-0)
4/8/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed
4/7/2026SenateFavorable Adopted
4/7/2026SenateFavorable Report by Finance
4/6/2026SenateReferred Finance
3/23/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (127-2)
3/20/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/19/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments {393924/1 Adopted
3/19/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments Report by Health
3/19/2026HouseHearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.
2/11/2026HouseHearing canceled
2/11/2026HouseHearing 2/11 at 1:30 p.m.
1/22/2026HouseFirst Reading Health
1/19/2026House
Bill Text
Third Reading
3/19/2026
First Reading
1/19/2026
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