Welcome to the State of California Acupuncture Board

Warning!

WARNING TO CALIFORNIA ACUPUNCTURISTS
AND STUDENTS OF ACUPUNCTURE

The California Acupuncture Board advises all licensees, particularly new licensees in Southern California, not to give out their license certificates to anyone, even a prospective employer. Repeated arrests by several different law enforcement agencies, established that a group, or businesses, engaging in prostitution and massage have continued to victimize acupuncturists. This has been done by obtaining, duplicating or "renting" acupuncture licenses, then using them to obtain a business license or permit as a guise for illegal activities.

This is a serious matter which could lead to the revocation of your license. To protect your professional status keep the following in mind:

  • If someone asks to see your acupuncture license, show them your pocket license. Never give your wall or pocket license to anyone or allow it to be duplicated. Duplicating or reproducing your license is a misdemeanor under Section 119 (f) of the Business and Professions Code. If you need a duplicate certificate, or a letter of certification to verify your license status, for any reason, contact the Acupuncture Board.
  • Under no-circumstances may a licensed acupuncturist work for, or be employed by, any person other than another acupuncturist, a physician licensed by the Medical Board of California (MBC), or a healing arts professional corporation (see Corporations Code section 13401.5).
  • Acupuncturists may not employ in their acupuncture practice any individual to perform Oriental Massage, unless that individual has complied with the local requirements for engaging in massage activities, e.g., valid massage degree or certificate, and massage business license/permit.
  • Always verify a business prior to any interview. Ask for a business license number and verify it with the local city or county government agency that issues business licenses in your area.
  • If the prospective employer is a physician or an acupuncturist, you can verify their license status by calling the MBC at (800)-633-2322 or the Acupuncture Board at (916) 445-3021, or by visiting our web site www.acupuncture.ca.gov.

If you have any questions about your responsibilities as a licensed professional, contact our office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (916) 445-3021.

(Rev.1/01)