SB0370 revises Maryland’s acupuncture licensing and enforcement framework. The bill adds a statutory definition of “manual therapies,” describing them as pressure or manipulation techniques performed with the hands or another part of the body along points or meridians, and expressly includes acupressure and similar East Asian medical pressure techniques within the practice of acupuncture when performed under East Asian medical principles. It also updates terminology in the licensing standards by replacing references to “Oriental” medicine with “herbal” medicine in the accreditation language.
The bill changes administrative practice by requiring the State Acupuncture Board to make proof of renewal available to licensees instead of issuing a renewal certificate. It also creates a new prohibition against employing an unlicensed person to practice acupuncture or aiding and abetting unauthorized acupuncture practice. In addition, it establishes specific penalties for violations of the new employment/assistance prohibition, including misdemeanor and felony penalties for repeat offenses and a civil fine, while preserving existing penalties for other unauthorized practice violations.
In terms of state law impact, SB0370 amends several provisions of the Health Occupations Article governing acupuncture licensure, renewal, definitions, and enforcement. It expands the statutory description of what counts as acupuncture, clarifies the Board’s renewal process, and strengthens the Board’s ability to police unlicensed practice by reaching not only direct violators but also those who hire or assist them. The bill also sets a future effective date of October 1, 2026.
The overall sentiment around the bill appears strongly favorable and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 42-0 and the House 130-2, and there is no committee transcript indicating significant debate or opposition. The broad margins suggest general agreement that the bill is a technical and regulatory update rather than a major policy shift.
The main point of potential contention is the new prohibition on employing or aiding unlicensed acupuncture practice, which expands liability beyond the individual practitioner to employers and others who facilitate violations. Another possible issue is the bill’s detailed penalty structure, including felony treatment for subsequent violations, though the recorded votes indicate little visible resistance. The terminology update from “Oriental” to “herbal” medicine is also notable as a language modernization change.
Impact
SB0370 amends the Maryland Health Occupations Article provisions governing acupuncture by redefining “manual therapies,” clarifying that certain pressure-based East Asian treatment techniques fall within the practice of acupuncture, and updating licensing and renewal procedures. It also adds a new enforcement provision prohibiting the employment of unlicensed acupuncturists and aiding or abetting unauthorized practice, with associated criminal and civil penalties. These changes affect licensed acupuncturists, applicants, employers, and the State Acupuncture Board, while leaving the Board’s core licensing authority intact.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have enjoyed broad bipartisan support and little visible controversy. It passed both chambers overwhelmingly, with unanimous Senate approval and only two negative votes in the House. The absence of committee testimony or recorded debate suggests the measure was viewed as a routine regulatory update to clarify practice definitions and strengthen enforcement.
Contention
The most notable contention point is the new liability imposed on people or entities that employ unlicensed individuals to practice acupuncture or otherwise aid unauthorized practice, since this broadens enforcement beyond the practitioner. The bill’s enhanced penalties, including felony treatment for repeat violations and civil fines, could also be seen as strict, though the voting record shows minimal opposition. A secondary issue is the terminology change from “Oriental” medicine to “herbal” medicine in accreditation references, which is administrative but may reflect sensitivity around professional language.