# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 1A. Acupuncturists

### Subtitle 4. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 1A-401

Except as provided in this title, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice acupuncture in this State unless licensed by the Board.

#### Section 1A-402

(a) Unless authorized to practice acupuncture under this title, a person may not represent to the public, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to practice acupuncture in this State.

(b) Unless authorized to practice acupuncture under this title, a person may not use the words or terms "acupuncturist", "licensed acupuncturist", "L.Ac.", or any other words, letters, or symbols with the intent to represent that the person is authorized to practice acupuncture.

#### Section 1A-403

Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not:

(1) Employ an individual to practice acupuncture without a license; or

(2) Aid or abet the unauthorized practice of acupuncture in violation of Sec. 1A-401 of this subtitle.

#### Section 1A-404

(a) A person who violates Sec. 1A-401 or Sec. 1A-402 of this subtitle is:

  (1) Guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both; and

  (2) Subject to a civil fine not to exceed $50,000 to be assessed by the Board in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board.

(b) A person who violates Sec. 1A-403 of this subtitle is:

  (1)

    (i) For a first offense, guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both; and

    (ii) For a subsequent offense, guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 per day or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both; and

  (2) Subject to a civil fine not to exceed $10,000 to be assessed by the Board in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board.

(c) The Board shall remit any penalty collected under this section into the General Fund of the State.

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Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)