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MarylandSB 03702026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

State Acupuncture Board - Revisions

Sponsored By: Malcolm Augustine (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 TreatmentsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRules 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.

Penalties for unauthorized acupuncture practice

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland requires a license to practice acupuncture. The law also bars hiring unlicensed acupuncturists or helping unauthorized acupuncture practice. Civil fines reach $50,000 for general violations and $10,000 for illegal hiring or helping unauthorized practice. A first criminal 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 in fines, five years in prison, or both. The State Acupuncture Board must send penalties collected under this section to Maryland's General Fund.

Stricter licensing rules for Maryland acupuncturists

The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and sets qualification rules based on when a license is issued. Applicants must be at least 18 and have good moral character. Licenses issued through May 31, 2026, keep earlier alternatives: qualifying education, a national Diplomate credential, or a Board-approved equivalent exam. For licenses issued on or after June 1, 2026, applicants need both qualifying education and a passing exam score. Education must be a master's-level acupuncture program or equivalent, with state approval, recognized accreditation, or Board approval as equivalent. The exam must come from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or be Board-approved as equivalent. These applicants must also show English proficiency and meet any additional qualifications set by the Board. The Board can define additional qualifications through regulations. For license renewals, the Board must provide proof of renewal instead of renewal certificates to licensees who meet statutory requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 2

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 2 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 234

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (135-2)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/11/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Health

    4/11/2026House

  6. Rereferred to Health

    4/10/2026House

  7. Referred Rules and Executive Nominations

    4/8/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/7/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {133827/1 Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/6/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/27/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    1/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/7/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2026

    PDF

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