(a) Acupuncture, and the related practices of acupressure and meridian therapy, includes methods for diagnosing and treating a patient by stimulating specific points on or within the musculoskeletal system by various means, including manipulation, heat, cold, pressure, vibration, laser, ultrasound, light electrocurrent, and the insertion of acupuncture needles or solid filiform needles for the purpose of obtaining a bio-positive reflex response by nerve stimulation.     
      (b) A licensee shall practice acupuncture only after obtaining a permit from the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (Board).     
      (c) The Board shall place on each renewal license to practice chiropractic a statement that a licensee who has met all Board requirements is permitted to practice acupuncture.     
      (d) A licensee with an acupuncture permit may not delegate the performance of acupuncture.     
      (e) A licensee in good standing with the Board may obtain an acupuncture permit by:      
        (1) completing at least 100 hours of acupuncture training and passing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners' acupuncture exam;       
        (2) demonstrating that the licensee had a chiropractic license and passed an exam in a 100 hour acupuncture course before January 1, 2010; or       
        (3) demonstrating that the licensee completed substantial acupuncture training before January 1, 2000, and practiced acupuncture for at least ten years before January 1, 2010.       
      (f) A licensee permitted to practice acupuncture must complete a minimum of eight (8) hours in Board-approved acupuncture courses every biennium.     
      (g) A licensee may apply for an acupuncture permit by submitting a written request to the Board.     
      (h) A licensee practicing acupuncture shall not advertise in a manner that suggests the licensee possesses a license to practice acupuncture issued by the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners, including using any of the terms "acupuncturist," "licensed acupuncturist," "L.Ac.," "Traditional Chinese Medicine," or "degreed in acupuncture."     
      (i) A licensee's advertising may include the terms "Board Certified" or "Board Certified in Chiropractic Acupuncture" if it also clearly identifies the nationally recognized certifying board and credentials.     
      (j) Approved programs in clinical acupuncture or meridian therapy offered by accredited chiropractic colleges or universities are designed for doctors of chiropractic and other disciplines. These courses are not intended as a substitute for a full curriculum teaching traditional Chinese medicine; rather they focus on the principle, theory, scientific findings, and practical modern application of acupuncture as currently practiced by doctors of chiropractic.     
      (k) The practice of acupuncture by a licensee who has not complied with the requirements of this section constitutes unprofessional conduct and subjects the licensee to disciplinary action.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §78.14 adopted to be effective December 5, 2018, 43 TexReg 7763; amended to be effective June 6, 2019, 44 TexReg 2709; amended to be effective September 10, 2020, 45 TexReg 6232