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79R8761 MSE-F

By:  Brown of Brazos                                              H.B. No. 2153



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the regulation of certain institutions that train 
acupuncturists.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter G, Chapter 61, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 61.3031 to read as follows:
	Sec. 61.3031.  EXEMPTION FOR RECOGNIZED INSTITUTION  
RELATING TO ACUPUNCTURE.  This subchapter does not apply to an 
institution that has been certified or otherwise approved by the 
Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners as provided by Section 
205.101, Occupations Code.
	SECTION 2.  Section 205.101(a), Occupations Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	(a)  Subject to the advice and approval of the medical board, 
the acupuncture board shall:
		(1)  establish qualifications for an acupuncturist to 
practice in this state;
		(2)  establish minimum education and training 
requirements necessary for the acupuncture board to recommend that 
the medical board issue a license to practice acupuncture;
		(3)  administer an examination that is validated by 
independent testing professionals for a license to practice 
acupuncture;
		(4)  develop requirements for licensure by endorsement 
of other states;     
		(5)  prescribe the application form for a license to 
practice acupuncture;  
		(6)  make recommendations on applications for licenses 
to practice acupuncture;
		(7)  establish the requirements for a tutorial program 
for acupuncture students who have completed at least 48 semester 
hours of college;  [and]
		(8)  certify or otherwise approve institutions located 
in this state that provide the education or other training  
necessary for an individual to qualify for a license to practice 
acupuncture;
		(9)  deny or withdraw certification or other approval 
with regard to institutions described by Subdivision (8) that fail 
to meet certification requirements or  maintain other standards set 
by the acupuncture board or by this chapter; and
		(10)  recommend additional rules as are necessary to 
administer and enforce this chapter.
	SECTION 3.  Section 205.206(a), Occupations Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	(a)  An institution located in this state that provides 
education or other training necessary for an individual to qualify 
to practice [A reputable] acupuncture [school], in addition to 
meeting any certification requirements or other standards set by 
the acupuncture board, must:
		(1)  maintain a resident course of instruction 
equivalent to not less than six terms of four months each for a 
total of not less than 1,800 instructional hours;
		(2)  provide supervised patient treatment for at least 
two terms of the resident course of instruction;
		(3)  maintain a course of instruction in 
anatomy-histology, bacteriology, physiology, symptomatology, 
pathology, meridian and point locations, hygiene, and public 
health; and
		(4)  have the necessary teaching force and facilities 
for proper instruction in required subjects.
	SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.