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Senate debates allowing chiropractors to provide acupuncture; amendment clarifies training
Summary
Senators debated a bill expanding chiropractic practice to permit chiropractors to provide acupuncture after postgraduate training; opponents urged interim study, proponents said the bill strengthens fraud and consumer-protection language. The amendment to set postgraduate education rules was adopted; consideration was circled until Monday.
Representative (sponsor) introduced legislation expanding the definition of chiropractic practice to (1) exempt chiropractic assistants from licensure when working under a licensed chiropractor, (2) add unlawful conduct definitions including buying or fraudulently obtaining a chiropractic license and (3) permit chiropractors to offer acupuncture after completing postgraduate training and a division-approved exam. The sponsor told the Senate an amendment (dated Feb. 27) under Senator Millie Petersons name would clarify that completion of postgraduate education requirements be established by division rule based on national standards for acupuncturists.
Senator Montgomery opposed the expansion, saying the Legislature previously established licensure for acupuncturists and that extending acupuncture to chiropractors risks exceeding chiropractors' scope of practice. "There's been no scientific evidence that acupuncture is anything more than placebo," Montgomery said, and he argued the change could delay patients from seeking conventional medical care. Montgomery urged that the bill be defeated and placed on interim study.
Supporters responded that a central piece of the bill addresses unlawful conduct and fraud in chiropractic services, which the sponsor and backers said would protect consumers. Senator Steele indicated chiropractic groups supported the amendment circulated on the floor. With senators noting thin attendance late in the day, a motion was made to circle the bill until Monday to allow more input and consultation; that motion carried.
The amendment clarifies postgraduate education requirements will be set by division rule based on national standards for acupuncturists and was placed on the bill record. No final passage was recorded during this session; the Senate circled the measure for further consideration Monday.
Next steps: The Senate circled the bill; sponsors said they would work with stakeholders and return the measure to the calendar for resumed consideration.
