All Roll Calls
Yes: 177 • No: 2
MarylandSB 03702026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
State Acupuncture Board - Revisions
Sponsored By: Malcolm Augustine
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 TreatmentsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRules and RegulationsWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.
Your PRIA Score
Score Hidden
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Tougher penalties for unlicensed acupuncture
Beginning October 1, 2026, you may not employ someone to practice acupuncture without a license or help anyone practice without a license. Violations can bring criminal charges and civil fines. Some violations carry up to a $5,000 fine and up to 3 years in jail, plus civil fines up to $50,000. Others start at up to a $5,000 fine and 1 year in jail, with repeat offenses up to $5,000 per day and up to 5 years in jail. The Board sends collected penalties to the State General Fund.
New license rules and renewal proof
Beginning October 1, 2026, license standards depend on when the license is issued. If your license is issued on or before May 31, 2026, you qualify by either finishing an approved master’s program or by a diplomate/passing an equivalent exam. If your license is issued on or after June 1, 2026, you must both graduate from an approved master’s program and pass the NCCAOM exam (or a Board‑approved equivalent). The Board renews licenses for people who meet renewal rules and makes proof of renewal available.
Manual therapies defined in acupuncture practice
Beginning October 1, 2026, the law defines "manual therapies" in acupuncture. It includes acupressure and other pressure techniques along points or meridians. Therapies count as acupuncture only when done by East Asian medical principles. This guides what the Board regulates as acupuncture.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Malcolm Augustine
Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/13/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 135 • No: 2 • Other: 4
Senate vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 234
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/13/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (135-2)
4/13/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/11/2026HouseFavorable Report by Health
4/11/2026HouseRereferred to Health
4/10/2026HouseReferred Rules and Executive Nominations
4/8/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (42-0)
4/8/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
4/7/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {133827/1 Adopted
4/7/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Finance
4/6/2026SenateHearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
1/27/2026SenateFirst Reading Finance
1/27/2026Senate
Bill Text
Third Reading
4/7/2026
First Reading
1/27/2026
Related Bills
SB 1007 — Prior Authorizations of State Debt - Alterations
SB 0940 — Environment - Water Quality Testing - Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels Action Plan
SB 0915 — State Board of Physicians - Delegation of Duties - Alterations
SB 0777 — Labor and Employment - Workforce Development - Hospital Employee Retraining and Placement Program and Workforce Development and Local Workforce Development Boards (Local Workforce Solutions Investment Act)
SB 0772 — Maryland Department of Health - Employment Training and Opportunity Database
SB 0742 — Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Developmental Disabilities Administration - Home- and Community-Based Services Eligibility Determinations (Maryland Protecting People With Disabilities Act)
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in