Board hears requests for guidance on lasers, ultrasound, light and sound therapies; staff urges stakeholder proposals

Practitioners and association representatives urged the California Acupuncture Board to clarify whether newer adjunctive modalities—low‑level lasers, therapeutic ultrasound, photobiomodulation, electromagnetic devices, sound therapies and similar technologies—fit within the existing acupuncture scope.

Stakeholders said many practitioners already use these modalities in California and other states; some continuing-education courses teach device use. Neil Miller and others asked whether the board could provide written guidance or escalate a legislative request. Marilyn Allen urged the board to compile a long list of technologies and consider a task force to evaluate safety, training and necessary safeguards.

Legal counsel and staff reminded attendees that the board’s authority is bounded by statute; adding new, explicitly named modalities typically requires statutory change or well-justified regulatory clarification. Ben Bodea said the board will accept written proposals from associations documenting training standards, published safety evidence, and recommendations for regulatory language or legislation.

Speakers also discussed practical distinctions: therapeutic ultrasound (used by some practitioners as a treatment modality) vs. diagnostic ultrasound (imaging). The committee advised stakeholders to identify specific devices or technologies, provide evidence of safety and training recommendations, and coordinate with other health boards if the devices are used by multiple professions.

Ending: The committee invited written materials or formal proposals and suggested a staged review—stakeholder submission, staff assessment, and potential committee-level work to identify items that might be appropriate for regulation or legislative advocacy.