Title 1A. Acupuncturists — Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 1A-101 (2026)
Title 1A. Acupuncturists
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 1A–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Acupuncture” means a form of health care based on East Asian medical theories of energetic physiology that describe the interrelationship of the body organs and functions.
(c)
“Auricular detoxification” means an acupuncture technique involving the needling of the external auricle of the human ear for the purpose of assisting a person who is undergoing detoxification to remove addictive substances from the body and restoring health.
(d)
“Board” means the State Acupuncture Board.
(e)
“License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice acupuncture.
(f)
(1)
“Practice acupuncture” means the use of East Asian medical therapies for the purpose of normalizing energetic physiological functions including pain control, and for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health.
(2)
“Practice acupuncture” includes:
(i)
Stimulation of the body by the insertion of needles;
(ii)
The application of moxibustion; and
(iii)
Manual, mechanical, thermal, electrical, or other East Asian medical therapies only when performed in accordance with the principles of East Asian medical theories and practices.
(g)
“Supervision” means:
(1)
A formalized professional relationship between a licensed acupuncturist and an individual performing auricular detoxification that provides evaluation and direction of the individual to adequately ensure the safety and welfare of clients during the course of treatment; and
(2)
As defined by the Board in regulations:
(i)
Periodic direct supervision where the licensed acupuncturist is present or on–site during treatment; and
(ii)
General supervision where the licensed acupuncturist is neither present nor on–site during treatment.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 1A-102 (2026)
Title 1A. Acupuncturists
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 1A–102LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This title does not limit the right of an individual to practice a health occupation that the individual is authorized to practice under this article.
(b)
This title does not limit the right of a physician authorized under Title 14 of this article to perform acupuncture as it is defined in that title.
(c)
This title does not limit a dentist licensed under Title 4 of this article who is authorized to perform acupuncture in connection with the practice of dentistry.
(d)
This title does not limit a veterinarian licensed under the Agriculture Article who performs acupuncture on animals in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine.