Additional Resources for Acupuncture

• Statutes & Rules

  Indiana Statutes

  Title 25 Article 1  - Professions and Occupations

  Title 25 Article 1 Chapter 9 - Health Professions Standards of Practice

  Title 25 Article 2.5 - Acupuncturists

  Indiana Administrative Rules

  Title 844 Article 1 - General Provisions

• General FAQs
  • Question: Who can perform acupuncture?
    • Answer: Acupuncturists or acupuncture detoxification specialists who maintain a valid acupuncture license issued by the Medical Licensing Board and physicians licensed by the Medical Licensing Board. A dentist, podiatrist or chiropractor licensed in Indiana may also practice acupuncture, only within the scope of their respective licenses and if they maintain a valid professional acupuncture license issued by the Medical Licensing Board.
  • Question: i would like to see an acupuncturist, can you refer me to one?
    • Answer: No. The Medical Licensing Board licenses acupuncturists. It is unable to provide referrals. Once you are provided the name of an acupuncturist, you may use our Free Search & Verify service to verify the status of an acupuncturist, i.e., valid, delinquent, or action against the license.
  • Question: can you tell me whether an acupuncturist has had a complaint filed against them? What about an adverse action filed against them?
    • Answer: No. Complaints and/or investigations are not subject to public disclosure. You can use our Free Search & Verify service to determine if formal disciplinary charges have been filed, or disciplinary action has been taken against a licensed acupuncturist.
  • Question: what is an acupuncturist allowed to do?
    • Answer: Acupuncture is a form of health care employing traditional and modern Oriental medical concepts, Oriental medical diagnosis and treatment, and adjunctive therapies and diagnostic techniques for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of disease. Licensed acupuncturists can insert acupuncture needles, apply moxibustion to specific areas of the body based upon Oriental medical diagnosis, practice auricular acupuncture and use electronic stimulation or manual pressure to prevent or modify the perception of pain to normalize physiological functions, or for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body.
  • Question: what is an acupuncturist detoxification specialist?
    • Answer: An acupuncturist detoxification specialist who is an individual who has an acupuncturist detoxification specialist license but is not a licensed acupuncturist. They may practice auricular acupuncture for the purpose of treating alcoholism, substance abuse or chemical dependency provided they meet certain training requirements and practice under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist or physician in an approved alcohol, substance abuse, or chemical dependency program.
  • Question: what can’t an acupuncturist do?
    • Answer: A licensed acupuncturist cannot provide radiology services, electrosurgery, chiropractic technique, physical therapy, use or prescribe any drugs, medications, serums or vaccines, or make an allopathic differential diagnosis. Indiana Administrative Code, 844 IAC 13-1-2.
  • Question: do i need a referral from my regular doctor to see an acupuncturist and will my insurance cover acupuncture treatment?
    • Answer: An acupuncturist is considered a primary care provider and a referral may or may not be required for insurance purposes. Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment. For more information on insurance, please contact either your insurance company or an acupuncture association.
  • Question: are acupuncturists required to use disposable needles?
    • Answer: Yes. It is unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use a needle more than once. All needles must be pre-sterilized, single use and disposable. Indiana Administrative Code, 844 IAC 13-1-2.
  • Question: I read an advertisement where an acupuncturist claims the ability to cure my disease. Is this legal?
    • Answer: No. An acupuncturist may not make any false, fraudulent, materially misleading, or deceptive statement or claim. Indiana Administrative Code, 844 IAC 13-5-6.
  • Question: does Indiana have reciprocity with other states?
    • Answer: Yes, provided the individual can demonstrate that they hold a license in another state or country whose qualifications are substantially equivalent to Indiana’s; the individual is a current active diplomate in acupuncture with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture; and, has completed a three year postsecondary training program or acupuncture college program that is approved by or substantially equivalent to the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
• Associations/Commissions

  Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAOM)

  • Mail:
    • 8941 Aztec Dr, Suite 2
      Eden Prairie, MN 55347
  • Phone: (952) 212-2434
  • Website: ACAHM.org
  • Email: info@acaom.org

  The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

  • Mail:
    • 2001 K Street, NW, 3rd Floor North
      Washington, D.C. 20006
  • Phone:
    • (888) 381-1140 (toll-free number)
    • (202) 381-1140 (direct phone number)
  • Website: NCCAOM.org
  • Email: info@thenccaom.org

  National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)

  • Mail:
    • PO Box 1066
      Laramie, WY 82073 USA
  • Phone:
    • (888) 765-NADA (6232) (toll-free number)
    • (307) 460-2771
  • Website: acudetox.com
• Scope of Practice Rulings

  Licensed practitioners that have a specific question or questions about the scope of practice of their licensed profession may request a "practice ruling" from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) and the Indiana Medical Licensing Board (the Board). The PLA and the Board may provide a formal determination/interpretation based on the practitioner's factual situations/circumstances. Licensed practitioners may submit a "Request for Practice Ruling" through the web-based form provided on the PLA's "Request for Practice Ruling" web page. Additional information and instructions for submitting a "Request for Practice Ruling " are provided on the web page.

  All requests will be reviewed by the PLA's legal team, and PLA's legal team will draft a ruling for the Board's consideration and potential adoption. All rulings adopted by the Board will be posted to the Indiana Register as well as the comprehensive list provided on the the PLA's "Request for Practice Ruling" web page.