The Maryland Department of Health, Health Professions Boards & Commissions is a critical extension of Maryland State government. Serving on the Board of Acupuncture provides the opportunity for citizens to help shape key policies that impact the health of all Marylanders.
Every appointment decision is made with a commitment to excellence and equity in order to:
- expand access to board service,
- attract the best talent possible to serve, and
- strive to ensure that board members are representative of the diverse communities in the State of Maryland.
When you commit to serve on the Board of Acupuncture, you join current and past community servants in protecting the public.
Requirements
Health Occupations Article, Section 1A-202(a)(1)
The State Acupuncture Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor. (a)(2) Of the seven members:
- (i) Five shall be licensed acupuncturists appointed from a list submitted as provided in subsection (c) of this section; and
- (ii) Two shall be consumer members.
(b) Each acupuncturist member shall:
- (1) Be a resident of the State; and
- (2) For at least 5 years immediately before appointment have been engaged in the practice of acupuncture in the State.
(c) For each vacancy of an acupuncture member, the Board shall compile a list of names to be submitted to the Governor in the following manner:
- (c)(1) The Board shall notify all licensed acupuncturists in the State of the vacancy to solicit nominations to fill the vacancy;
- (c)(2) Each professional association of acupuncturists in the State shall nominate at least one person for every two vacancies that exist; and
- (c)(3) Each educational institution that provides acupuncture training in the State shall nominate at least one person for every two vacancies that exist.
(d) The consumer members:
- (d)(1) Shall be members of the General Public;
- (d)(2) May not be or ever have been an acupuncturist or in training to become an acupuncturist;
- (d)(3) May not have a household member who is an acupuncturist or in training to become an acupuncturist;
- (d)(4) May not participate or ever have participated in a commercial or professional field related to acupuncture;
- (d)(5) May not have a household member who participates in a commercial or professional field related to acupuncture; and
- (d)(6) May not have had within 2 years before appointment a substantial financial interest in a person regulated by the Board.
(e) While a member of the Board, the consumer member may not have a substantial financial interest in a person regulated by the Board.
(f) Before taking office, each appointee shall take the oath required by Article I, Section 9 of the State Constitution.
(g)(1) The term of a member is 4 years.
(g)(2) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 1994.
(g)(3) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(g)(4) A member may not serve more than two consecutive full terms.
HO Article 1A-203 From among its members, the Board shall elect officers in a manner and for terms that the Board determines.
The Governor’s Appointment Office website is https://govappointments.maryland.gov/.
Expectations of Board members include but are not limited to the following:
- Attend six Board meetings per year (there are attendance requirements in order to remain a board member).
- These meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of odd numbered months: January, March. May, July, September and November at 1 pm. The meetings may occur in person at the Board office in Baltimore or virtually and include a regular/public (open) session, and an administrative/quasi-judicial (closed) session. Members are entitled to a stipend of $100 per meeting plus mileage if attended in-person. Board members receive documents in advance of the meeting for review.
- Serve on Board committees such as disciplinary, legislative, scope of practice and other ad hoc committees (e.g., budget, continuing education, credentialing, etc.) as needed. Committees meet as needed either in person or virtually.
- Participate in disciplinary hearings and case resolution conferences.
- Testify before the General Assembly regarding legislation that affects consumers and/or licensees.
- File an annual financial disclosure with the State Ethics Commission and be subject to the State Ethics Law.
For more information about serving on the Board, please visit the Governor’s Appointment Office.
