California Acupuncture Board adopts telehealth rule clarifying remote services for licensees
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Summary
The board voted unanimously to proceed with proposed telehealth regulations that set factors licensees should consider before delivering acupuncture‑related services remotely; the motion directed staff to reject a 15‑day public comment request for narrower drafting and to complete the rulemaking process.
The California Acupuncture Board voted unanimously (5–0) on March 26 to move forward with proposed telehealth regulations clarifying what licensed acupuncturists may provide remotely.
Vice President Francisco Kim moved to accept staffrecommendations and to direct staff to reject a public commenter’s requested change; member Ruben Osorio seconded. The motion instructed staff to approve the proposed response to the comment, authorize the executive officer to make technical and non‑substantive edits, and complete the formal rulemaking steps. The roll call vote was recorded as five yes, zero no.
Board staff had summarized a 15‑day comment submitted by an acupuncture practitioner who argued most acupuncture services (needling, moxibustion, cupping, etc.) cannot be delivered by telehealth and should be excluded. Staff responded that the final regulation uses a principles‑based approach: it lists factors a licensee must consider (patient safety, nature of the service, risks and constraints, patient ability to participate, and documentation) and leaves the judgment to the licensed acupuncturist rather than enumerating a closed list of billable services. Staff noted billing and reimbursement questions are outside the rulemaking’s scope.
Board members asked for public comment before voting; none spoke. The motion passed 5–0. The board authorized staff to finish the rulemaking process, including technical edits and next administrative steps.
