HB3194, the Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine's acupuncture cleanup bill (filed by Rep. Gene Wu of Houston), is set for a hearing before the House Subcommittee on Health Professions this coming Thursday, April 4th. This bill is an important step in preserving the integrity of the practice of acupuncture in Texas. For those of you who don't live in Austin or can't come to the capitol on Thursday to register your support for the bill, we will be submitting this petition to members of the committee. We need as many Licensed Acupuncturists, students, patients, and supporters of acupuncture to sign this petition in support of HB3194 immediately. Just sign to and indicate your are FOR HB3194. Also, please indicate if you are a Licensed Acupuncturist, an acupuncture student, or a patient.

This long overdue cleanup to the Acupuncture Chapter of the Occupations Code goes a long way towards maintaining the integrity of the practice and profession of acupuncture in the State of Texas. The simple cleanup bill more accurately characterizes the practice of acupuncture than the definition currently found in the law. It makes clear that all procedures that are already part of the Licensed Acupuncturists accredited education and training are part of the practice of acupuncture. And it clearly articulates that an "acupuncturist" is an individual who has completed the requirements the State has established to practice acupuncture safely and effectively, and is licensed by the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners.