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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

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Stricter license rules for Maryland acupuncturists

The law takes effect October 1, 2026, but sets licensing standards using a June 1, 2026 cutoff. For licenses issued on or after that cutoff, applicants need both qualifying master’s-level acupuncture education and a passing exam score. The education must meet the listed state approval and accreditation standards, or the Board must find it equivalent. Applicants must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exam or a Board-approved equivalent. For licenses issued through May 31, 2026, qualifying education or a national Diplomate credential or equivalent exam meets the competence requirement. Applicants must also be at least 18, have good moral character, demonstrate English ability, and meet other Board requirements. The Board must renew licenses for eligible licensees and make proof of renewal available instead of issuing renewal certificates.

Penalties for unauthorized acupuncture in Maryland

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law bans hiring unlicensed people to practice acupuncture or helping unauthorized practice. A first offense is a misdemeanor carrying up to a $5,000 fine, one year in prison, or both. Later offenses are felonies carrying up to $5,000 per day, five years in prison, or both. The Board can also assess a civil fine of up to $10,000 for these violations. Separate violations of sections 1A–401 or 1A–402 are misdemeanors carrying up to $5,000, three years in prison, or both. Those violations also carry a Board-assessed civil fine of up to $50,000. Penalties collected under these rules go to Maryland’s General Fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jennifer White Holland

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Tiffany T. Alston

    Democratic • House

  • Heather Bagnall

    Democratic • House

  • Bonnie Cullison

    Democratic • House

  • Pam Lanman Guzzone

    Democratic • House

  • 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

  • Matthew Morgan

    Republican • House

  • Ashanti Martinez

    Democratic • 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

All Roll Calls

Yes: 170 • No: 2

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: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 233

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    4/6/2026Senate

  7. Referred Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (127-2)

    3/20/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {393924/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

    3/19/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/11/2026House

  13. Hearing canceled

    2/11/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/11 at 1:30 p.m.

    1/22/2026House

  15. First Reading Health

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/19/2026

    PDF

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