Bill > SF1746

This bill modifies Minnesota's licensing and practice standards for acupuncture and herbal medicine practitioners by updating definitions, expanding the scope of practice, and clarifying professional requirements. The bill broadens the definition of acupuncture to include various needle insertion techniques like dry needling and trigger point therapy, and expands the understanding of acupuncture and herbal medicine practice to encompass a more comprehensive approach that combines traditional and modern medical methods. The legislation updates continuing education requirements, specifying that programs should relate to acupuncture and herbal medicine and cover topics like anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. The bill also modifies practice standards, requiring practitioners to review patient diagnoses, obtain informed consent, and disclose potential side effects and treatment details. Additionally, the bill expands the scope of practice for acupuncturists to include a wider range of diagnostic examinations, treatment techniques, and therapeutic modalities, such as using various stimulation methods, physical medicine techniques, therapeutic exercises, and dietary counseling. The bill repeals the previous definition of "Oriental medicine" and replaces it with more contemporary language that reflects current medical understanding and practice.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1746&ssn=0&y=2025