Sec. 10.26.02.06. Acupuncture on Animals

A. To obtain certification from the Board as qualified to practice acupuncture on animals, an applicant shall:

(1) Possess a current license to practice acupuncture in Maryland;

(2) Successfully complete a Board-approved specialty training program in animal acupuncture from a school accredited by ACAOM or approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission that consists of a minimum of 135 hours of theory and clinical training and includes at a minimum in each of the following:

(a) 90 hours in diagnosis of energy dynamics and treatment of animals,

(b) 15 hours in comparative functional anatomy and physiology of animals,

(c) 15 hours in animal handling, restraints, and emergencies, and

(d) 20 hours in introduction to animal diseases and zoonotics that require the immediate attention of a veterinary practitioner;

(3) Complete and submit the application provided by the Board; and

(4) Pay the fee as specified in COMAR 10.26.01.

B. To practice acupuncture on animals, the licensed acupuncturist:

(1) Shall possess certification for animal acupuncture from the Board;

(2) Shall cooperate and consult with a veterinarian by:

(a) Beginning acupuncture treatment on an animal only if the animal has been seen by a veterinary practitioner within the previous 14 days,

(b) Adhering to the terms and conditions of treatment decided by the veterinary practitioner, including the degree of communication and collaboration between the veterinary practitioner and the individual practicing acupuncture, and

(c) Reporting to the veterinary practitioner at the end of the animal's acupuncture treatment or at monthly intervals at the discretion of the veterinary practitioner; and

(3) May not practice acupuncture on an animal for which the licensed acupuncturist has not been appropriately trained in accordance with this regulation.

C. The Board shall maintain a list of all:

(1) Licensed acupuncturists certified by the Board as qualified to practice acupuncture on animals; and

(2) Animal acupuncture training programs that the Board approves.

D. On or after the effective date of this regulation, unless the person is certified by the Board as qualified to practice acupuncture on animals, an individual may not:

(1) Represent to the public that the individual is an animal acupuncturist; and

(2) Practice acupuncture on animals.

E. Exception to Certification. This regulation does not apply to an individual who practices acupuncture on an animal under a research protocol which has been approved by an Animal Use and Care Committee as provided in 9 CFR Ch. 1, Part 2, Subpart C, §§2.30-2.38.

F. Violation of this regulation constitutes unprofessional conduct and may result in disciplinary action as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §4-315, Annotated Code of Maryland.