Sec. 10.26.03.03. Standards of Practice

A. The licensee shall be concerned primarily with the welfare of the patient or client.

B. A licensee who suffers from a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, including chemical abuse, which impacts the licensee's ability to practice acupuncture shall seek professional treatment and refrain from the practice of acupuncture until such time as the impairment no longer exists or reasonable accommodations can be made.

C. A licensee shall:

(1) Use professional discretion and integrity in relationships with a member of the health care community;

(2) Be professional in conduct, with honesty, integrity, self-respect, and fairness;

(3) Remain free from a conflict of interest while fulfilling the objectives and maintaining the integrity of the acupuncture profession;

(4) Provide accurate fee information to the patient, the individual responsible for payment for treatment, and the insurer;

(5) At all times respect the patient's dignity, autonomy, and privacy;

(6) Practice acupuncture only as defined in the scope of practice set forth in Health Occupations Article, §1A-205, Annotated Code of Maryland;

(7) Cooperate with a lawful investigation conducted by the Board, including:

(a) Furnishing information requested,

(b) Complying with a subpoena,

(c) Responding to a complaint at the request of the Board, and

(d) Providing meaningful and timely access to relevant patient records; and

(8) Report to the Board or other appropriate authority conduct in the practice of acupuncture that indicates a violation of:

(a) This chapter;

(b) Health Occupations Article, Title 1A, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(c) Other federal or State laws.

D. A licensee may not:

(1) Misrepresent the licensee's credentials, qualifications, or affiliations and shall attempt to correct others who misrepresent the licensee's credentials, qualifications, or affiliations;

(2) Knowingly engage in or condone behavior which is fraudulent, dishonest, or deceitful, or involves moral turpitude;

(3) Engage in a commercial activity which conflicts with the licensee's duties as a licensed acupuncturist;

(4) Perform acupuncture on a patient if the contraindication against acupuncture treatment exists; or

(5) Discriminate against a patient or a health care provider based on race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.