Bill Text

Bill Information


Add To My Favorites | print page

SB-628 Acupuncture: regulation.(2011-2012)

SHARE THIS: share this bill in Facebook share this bill in Twitter
SB628:v88#DOCUMENT

Senate Bill No. 628
CHAPTER 326

An act to add Section 4936 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to acupuncture.

[ Approved by Governor  September 14, 2012. Filed with Secretary of State  September 14, 2012. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SB 628, Yee. Acupuncture: regulation.
Existing law, the Acupuncture Licensure Act, establishes the Acupuncture Board and makes it responsible for enforcing and administering the act, including licensing persons who meet specified licensure requirements. Under the act, licensees are titled “acupuncturists,” and are authorized to perform designated activities pursuant to their license. The unlawful practice of acupuncture and any other violation of the act is a crime.
This bill would make it unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use the title of “Doctor” or use the abbreviation “Dr.” in connection with the practice of acupuncture unless he or she holds a license authorizing that use or a specified degree. This bill would also make it unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use the title “Doctor” or use the abbreviation “Dr.” without indicating the type of license that entitles him or her to use that title.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 Section 4936 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:

4936.
 (a) It is unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use the title “Doctor” or the abbreviation “Dr.” in connection with the practice of acupuncture unless he or she possesses a license that authorizes the use or possesses an earned doctorate degree from an accredited, approved, or authorized educational institution as set forth under Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 94800) of Part 59 of Division 10 of Title 3 of the Education Code, which is in acupuncture, oriental medicine, a biological science, or is otherwise related to the authorized practice of an acupuncturist as set forth in Sections 4927 and 4937.
(b) The use of the title “Doctor” or the abbreviation “Dr.” by an acupuncturist as authorized in subdivision (a) without further indicating the type of license or degree which authorizes that use shall constitute unprofessional conduct.