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Acupuncture rule changes and steep fee proposals win committee approval after heated debate
Summary
The committee approved rule changes for the State Board of Acupuncture, including contested fee increases (100–150%) that drew sustained opposition; senators debated alternatives such as title protection and partial approvals before the docket passed on a roll call.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved Docket 24-1701-2501, a package of changes to the Idaho State Board of Acupuncture rules, after an extended debate over proposed fee increases.
John Price, bureau chief for the Occupational Licensing Bureau and executive officer for the State Board of Acupuncture, presented three minor edits to the chapter and sought approval for the pending rule. Senator Blaylock supported non‑fee elements and relayed anecdotal business feedback from other states that do not require licensure, noting that lack of a state license can prevent billing insurance. "So he felt like...it would really benefit his business if he could bill insurance," Blaylock said, arguing the non‑fee changes have business value.
Senator Lenny objected to fee increases of 100–150% and moved to reject the docket in its entirety, calling the increases "unreasonable" without sufficient justification. Several substitute motions were entertained; one substitute failed on a 5‑4 vote. Ultimately, after debate and roll calls, the original motion to approve the docket passed and the committee recorded its decision.
Committee members asked DOPL staff for projections and urged caution about large fee increases; Price said he had projections if requested. The motion ultimately carried and the docket was approved on the committee floor.
