State Rep. Bronna Kahle’s measure to convert the current registration requirement for acupuncturists to licensure was approved by the Michigan Senate with unanimous bipartisan support.

Kahle’s bill will require the minimum level of state regulation considered necessary to protect the public and apply the same standards of training and certification used in the 46 states that already license acupuncture. The Michigan House of Representatives approved the plan with wide bipartisan support in September.

Licensed acupuncturists are recognized by the Veterans Administration (VA), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), and the American College of Physicians (ACP) as one of just four health care professions that offer non-opioid pain management. Acupuncture is the only option of the four health care professions that offer non-opioid pain management that is not licensed in Michigan.

“As we continue to work together to reduce opioid abuse, it is important to ensure safe alternatives like acupuncture are made available to those who suffer from chronic pain,” said Kahle, of Adrian. “Our Michigan veterans authorized to receive acupuncture treatments to manage pain should not have to drive hours to find an acupuncturist that meets the VA’s certification requirements.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, acupuncture is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions, yet Michigan has attracted far fewer professionals than neighboring Great Lakes states. Both Ohio and Wisconsin have twice as many providers as Michigan, and Illinois has four times as many.

Kahle said the current registration process in Michigan is a barrier to the growth of the profession and stands in the way of insurance reimbursement and integration of acupuncture into conventional healthcare settings like hospitals.

“The state licensing of acupuncture is a great win for Michiganders,” said Beth Stewart of Phoenix Rising: Adrian Wellness Center. “Patients can now rest assured that their Chinese Medicine practitioner is well educated and nationally certified. Accessing acupuncture will become easier as insurance companies start to cover acupuncture and more acupuncturists locate to our state.”

Kahle said regulatory barriers have discouraged acupuncture professionals from opening businesses in Michigan and have contributed to the current shortage of qualified providers.

“This plan not only supports the growth of an up-and-coming profession in our state, it also aligns with my commitment to stand with families and individuals across our state in the fight against opioid abuse,” Kahle said. “I am grateful for the overwhelming support for sensible regulations and greater access to a safe and effective alternative to opioids.”

House Bill 4710 now moves to the governor’s desk for final consideration.

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