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.

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.

Free to start

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.

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

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