<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 10.26.03.03" title_num="10" subtitle_num="26" chapter_num="03" heading="Standards of Practice.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The licensee shall be concerned primarily with the welfare of the patient or client.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A licensee who suffers from a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, including chemical abuse, which impacts the licensee's ability to practice acupuncture shall seek professional treatment and refrain from the practice of acupuncture until such time as the impairment no longer exists or reasonable accommodations can be made.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A licensee shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Use professional discretion and integrity in relationships with a member of the health care community;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Be professional in conduct, with honesty, integrity, self-respect, and fairness;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Remain free from a conflict of interest while fulfilling the objectives and maintaining the integrity of the acupuncture profession;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Provide accurate fee information to the patient, the individual responsible for payment for treatment, and the insurer;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>At all times respect the patient's dignity, autonomy, and privacy;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Practice acupuncture only as defined in the scope of practice set forth in Health Occupations Article, §1A-205, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Cooperate with an investigation conducted by the Board, including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Furnishing information requested,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Complying with a subpoena,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Responding to a complaint at the request of the Board, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Providing meaningful and timely access to relevant patient records; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Report to the Board or other appropriate authority conduct in the practice of acupuncture that indicates a violation of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>This chapter;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Health Occupations Article, Title 1A, Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Other federal or State laws.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A licensee may not:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Misrepresent the licensee's credentials, qualifications, or affiliations and shall attempt to correct others who misrepresent the licensee's credentials, qualifications, or affiliations;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Knowingly engage in or condone behavior which is fraudulent, dishonest, or deceitful, or involves moral turpitude;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Engage in a commercial activity which conflicts with the licensee's duties as a licensed acupuncturist;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Perform acupuncture on a patient if the contraindication against acupuncture treatment exists; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Discriminate against a patient or a health care provider based on race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>