Committee discusses English proficiency and graduation evidence for licensure; clarifies tutorial program status

The California Acupuncture Board licensing committee discussed whether to require a minimum English proficiency standard for foreign‑trained and tutorial applicants and clarified transcript/graduation requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible for the licensing exam.

Committee members and staff noted that accreditor standards (ACOM/ACAHM) set a TOEFL threshold for accredited programs (commonly cited as a TOEFL iBT score of 61), but that tutorial and foreign‑trained applicants historically have not been subject to the same language testing. Ben Bodea (board staff) told the committee that “TOEFL is kind of the…standard that's used” and that ACOM had previously used higher thresholds for graduate‑level professional programs.

Public commenters and school representatives emphasized patient safety and communication. Philip Young and school commenters said limited English proficiency can reduce patient rapport and safety; a commenter representing ACCHS said language barriers can reduce patient disclosure and raise risks. Several speakers supported a clear, minimal English standard for applicants who will treat English‑speaking patients. Virginia suggested future technological tools (AI translators) could help but said human communication affects rapport and safety.

The committee also clarified how the board treats graduation evidence and approved programs. Board staff explained the three‑part approval process for a training program (Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education or regional accreditation, ACOM/ACAHM accreditation, and California Acupuncture Board program approval) and said that candidates must submit sealed transcripts showing graduation to qualify for the licensing exam. For tutorial/apprenticeship programs, staff said those programs are a distinct pathway with specific hour and coursework requirements rather than a degree conferral, and those applicants must meet the tutorial program requirements.

No regulatory changes were adopted at the meeting. Committee members asked staff to draft clearer eligibility language for the licensing application packet and to work with stakeholders on whether and how to apply a standardized English proficiency test to tutorial and foreign‑trained applicants.

Ending

The committee requested follow‑up language from staff and stakeholders about an English‑proficiency standard and restated that applicants must submit official transcripts or evidence of meeting tutorial program requirements to be eligible for the licensing exam.