As a result of what is described as the efforts of a small group of dedicated acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) practitioners from the North Dakota Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and proponents of AOM in North Dakota, March 23 was the date Governor Jack Dalrymple signed SB 2191 into effect, setting into motion the state’s first law regulating the practice of acupuncture. The move was announced in a media release from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
A member of NCCAOM, Steve Spader, Dipl Ac, who reportedly worked with several others to get the legislation passed, states in a media release from NCCAOM, “Though there have been attempts in the past to introduce a practice act, this time we were blessed with guidance from Beth Allen, ND, and other experienced people both locally and nationally.”
“Now that North Dakota has become the 45th state to regulate the practice of acupuncture, this will ensure that its citizens will be better protected and the state will attract acupuncturists who are nationally board certified,” stated Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, chief executive officer of the NCCAOM. “When you raise the standards, you attract highly qualified practitioners.”
Acupuncture is described as one of the world’s oldest, most commonly used medical treatments. It is characterized as being low-cost, noninvasive, and has produces few adverse side effects.