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Medical Board bill would define "oriental medicine" in statute; committee hears it as housekeeping measure
Summary
The Oregon Medical Board presented Senate Bill 874 to define the term "oriental medicine" within the Medical Practice Act for clarity around acupuncture regulation; the board said the bill does not change the scope of practice for acupuncturists.
The House Committee on Behavioral Health and Healthcare heard testimony April 22 on Senate Bill 874, a measure from the Oregon Medical Board that would define the term "oriental medicine" within the Medical Practice Act to clarify how the board regulates acupuncture and related practices.
Elizabeth Ross, legislative and policy analyst for the Oregon Medical Board, described SB 874 as a housekeeping bill that would provide statutory cohesion. "The Oregon Medical Board regulates the practice of acupuncturists under the medical practice act that's found in ORS chapter 677," Ross said, and added the bill "does not change the scope of practice for acupuncturists. This is just a housekeeping bill." She noted the term "oriental medicine" is the phrase currently used in statute and that the board is not proposing additional substantive changes at this time.
Committee members asked for clarification about terminology and signaled a possible future discussion to update the statutory language. No organized opposition was recorded in the hearing, and the committee did not take a vote during the session.
