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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 2Ch. 12Art. 2§ 4937 Acupuncturist Practice Scope

§ 4937 Acupuncturist Practice Scope

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4937 Acupuncturist Practice Scope

Key Takeaways

  • •Acupuncturists can do acupuncture and suggest things like massage, herbs, and magnets to help people feel better.
  • •You don’t need a license to suggest or do things like massage or herbs—only acupuncturists need a license for acupuncture itself.
  • •Magnets here mean natural ones, not electric or man-made ones.
  • •Herbs and supplements must be natural—no fake or dangerous drugs allowed.

Example

If you go to an acupuncturist for back pain, they can stick needles in you and also suggest drinking ginger tea or using a warm pad.

The acupuncturist is allowed to do this because their license lets them use needles and recommend natural stuff like herbs or heat to help you.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4937 Acupuncturist Practice Scope

An acupuncturist’s license authorizes the holder thereof: (a) To engage in the practice of acupuncture. (b) To perform or prescribe the use of Asian massage, acupressure, breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary supplements to promote, maintain, and restore health. Nothing in this section prohibits any person who does not possess an acupuncturist’s license or another license as a healing arts practitioner from performing, or prescribing the use of any modality listed in this subdivision. (c) For purposes of this section, a “magnet” means a mineral or metal that produces a magnetic field without the application of an electric current. (d) For purposes of this section, “plant, animal, and mineral products” means naturally occurring substances of plant, animal, or mineral origin, except that it does not include synthetic compounds, controlled substances or dangerous drugs as defined in Sections 4021 and 4022, or a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code. (e) For purposes of this section, “dietary supplement” has the same meaning as defined in subsection (ff) of Section 321 of Title 21 of the United States Code, except that dietary supplement does not include controlled substances or dangerous drugs as defined in Section 4021 or 4022, or a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code. (Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 649, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2006.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

dietary supplementtreatmentdangerhealthnetlicensefinesafety

Related Statutes

  • § 7613.11 Cemetery Endowment Fund Oversight
  • § 7622 Funeral Director Licensing Exam
  • § 7634 Embalmer Tissue Removal Authority
  • § 1241.1 Primary Care Clinic Laboratories
  • § 2725.1 Nurse Drug Dispensing Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 4937.
View Official Source