(a) The board shall issue a license to practice acupuncture to any person who makes an application and meets the following requirements:
(1) Is at least 18 years of age.
(2) Furnishes satisfactory evidence of completion of one of the following:
(A) (i) An approved educational and training program.
(ii) If an applicant began an educational and training program at a school or college that submitted a letter of intent to pursue accreditation to, or attained candidacy status from, the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, or its successor entity, but the commission subsequently denied the school or college candidacy status or accreditation, respectively, the board may review and evaluate the educational training and clinical experience to determine whether to waive the requirements set forth in this subdivision with respect to that applicant.
(B) Satisfactory completion of a tutorial program in the practice of an acupuncturist that is approved by the board.
(C) In the case of an applicant who has completed education and training outside the United States, documented educational training and clinical experience that meets the standards established pursuant to Sections 4939 and 4941.
(3) Passes a written examination administered by the board that tests the applicant’s ability, competency, and knowledge in the practice of an acupuncturist. The written examination shall be developed by the Office of Professional Examination Services of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(4) Is not subject to denial pursuant to Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475).
(5) Completes a clinical internship training program approved by the board. The clinical internship training program shall not exceed nine months in duration and shall be located in a clinic in this state that is an approved educational and training program. The length of the clinical internship shall depend upon the grades received in the examination and the clinical training already satisfactorily completed by the individual prior to taking the examination. The purpose of the clinical internship training program shall be to ensure a minimum level of clinical competence.
(b) Each applicant who qualifies for a license shall pay, as a condition precedent to its issuance and in addition to other fees required, the initial licensure fee.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 682, Sec. 7. (AB 1264) Effective January 1, 2024.)