This law makes it a misdemeanor, which is a minor crime, for anyone to practice or claim they can practice acupuncture without a valid license. If someone buys, sells, or gets a license by cheating, it's also a misdemeanor with possible fines and jail time. People who aren't doctors, dentists, or podiatrists but are licensed in other fields can't do needle acupuncture or manage others doing it unless they are licensed acupuncturists. Anyone saying they're an acupuncturist through advertising or job titles without a valid license is breaking this law. However, students in acupuncture programs or graduates in a one-year advanced course can practice as part of their training.

This law states that acupuncturists in California cannot use the title "Doctor" or "Dr." unless they have a specific license or earned a doctorate degree in acupuncture or a related field. Even if they have this authorization, they must specify their type of license or degree when using the title, or it will count as unprofessional behavior.

This law explains what an acupuncturist in California is allowed to do with their license. They can practice acupuncture and use or recommend a variety of health techniques like Asian massage, acupressure, and breathing exercises. They can also use heat, cold, magnets, nutrition advice, herbs, and dietary supplements to help people stay healthy and get better. However, these practices can also be done by people without an acupuncture license. The law specifically defines what magnets and naturally occurring products are and excludes certain synthetic and controlled substances from use under these terms. Also, dietary supplements are allowed as long as they don't include controlled substances.

To get a license to practice acupuncture in California, you must apply and be at least 18 years old. You need to show proof of finishing an acupuncture training program, a board-approved tutorial, or equivalent education outside the U.S. Also, you must pass a board exam and complete a clinical internship in a state-approved clinic. You should not have any legal issues that would disqualify you, and you must pay a fee for the license.

This law explains how people who have completed their education outside of the United States can have their credentials evaluated to match U.S. standards. Applicants must send their educational documents to a board-approved evaluation service, which then assesses and reports directly to the board. The board decides if the education meets licensure requirements. If not, the board may offer additional training or testing. The board sets rules for these evaluation services, mandating they provide evaluations in English, join recognized professional associations, undergo regular reevaluations, and include detailed reports of their authentication methods. Evaluation services must also have ways to detect fake documents and provide detailed profiles of their methods and evaluators. An appeal process for applicants must be included as well.

This section describes how acupuncturists in California can supervise trainees. The board sets standards for tutorial programs and supervising acupuncturists. To supervise a trainee, an acupuncturist must have a current, valid license with no disciplinary issues, apply to the board, and submit trainee names and satisfactory training programs. They can only train two trainees at a time and must have at least ten years of practice experience, with five years licensed in California. The supervisor must also have the knowledge to properly train the trainee. Changes from 1993 don't affect previously approved supervisors.

This law says that when someone applies for an acupuncture license in California, and they've completed a tutorial program, the board can give them credit for previous relevant training or experience, as long as it meets the board's standards.

This section gives a board the power to check out and assess anyone who wants to get an acupuncture license. The board decides if they can take the test or get the license based on certain rules. It can also check out acupuncture schools applying for approval, with the help of consultants, although this part was set to stop in 2017. Routine tasks can be handed off to staff.

This law requires acupuncturists to complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their licenses. Only up to five of those hours can focus on non-clinical topics. Continuing education providers must get board approval and provide detailed course information, including content, test criteria, and instructor qualifications. Acupuncturists living outside the state or country must still meet these educational requirements. If an acupuncturist falls short of the required hours, they must make them up in the next period to keep their license active. The board can monitor courses and providers to ensure compliance.

This law allows dentists and podiatrists in California to practice acupuncture within the limits of their existing licenses if they have completed an approved course in acupuncture. However, if they were already practicing acupuncture before July 1, 1982, and had completed related courses, they don't need to meet the current course requirements.

This law makes it clear that people doing research under Section 2075 are not breaking the law, even if their activities might seem questionable under this chapter. Basically, it protects researchers from legal trouble as long as they comply with Section 2075.

This law allows acupuncturists from outside California to participate in professional educational events like lectures or demonstrations if they are invited by a recognized acupuncture organization. They can practice for educational purposes for up to six months, but they cannot open a clinic or treat patients independently during this time.