IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
To practice acupuncture and East Asian medicine in Maryland the practitioner (not technician) must be a licensed Acupuncturist. The Maryland Acupuncture Practice Act does not allow licensed Acupuncturists to delegate to or other persons to assume any of the practice scope as Assistants or Technicians. Only licensed Acupuncturists can provide all aspects of scope approved treatment for patients. For more information please review the Board’s
FAQs.
Health Literacy Month
The Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development has identified 46 health observances for the month of October. Please visit the page to learn about all of this month's recognitions, and use this information to both celebrate health professionals and raise awareness in your circle(s) of influence. Amongst the more familiar observances is that of Health Literacy and this is the focus of this message.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) the definition of Health Literacy has evolved over the last few decades. Looking back to 2010 and 2020, Health Literacy was defined as
“The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. “
In the present, the Health Literacy definition has evolved to encompass its multi-dimensional environment , emphasizing that health literacy requires the use of abilities, knowledge, skills, and input of multiple stakeholders. Now NIH defines Health Literacy from both personal and organizational vantage points. More specifically,
- “Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.“
- “Organizational health literacy is the degree to which organizations equitably enable individuals to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others."
The goal of Health Literacy is to both improve access to information & resources and to improve communication in order to positively influence health related experiences and outcomes. With this in mind, NIH has also identified a few 'engagement givens' derived by research.
- “Everyone, no matter how educated, is at risk for misunderstanding health information if the topic is emotionally charged or complex."
- “Health care organizations and their systems and procedures have a significant role to play in ensuring understanding in the health care setting."
- “It is increasingly difficult for people to separate evidence-based information, especially online, from misleading ads and gimmicks."
The other five 'engagement givens' can be found here.
As it relates to the practice of acupuncture and East Asian medicine, Health Literacy is learning about the practice of traditional Chinese/East Asian Medicine (TCM/EAM) and if any of the treatment modalities can be a beneficial part of your health and wellness strategy. For example, Health Literacy in TCM/EAM is understanding things about the practice like:
- Being approved for licensure as an Acupuncturist has and continues to require at least a masters degree.
- The study of Western medicine is included in masters degree studies.
- The practice of acupuncture is not only needle treatment. It includes cupping, Gua Sha, moxibustion, manual therapy (a.k.a. bodywork) - Acupressure, Shiatsu, Tui Na, Reflexology; mind-body exercise - Qigong; dietary recommendations and herbal medicine.
Health Literacy in relation to the practice of TCM/EAM has an additional layer of complication to overcome…culture. Finally, Health Literacy, in eastern and western medicine, can serve as a layer of protection for the public. Ideally, it can help deter the proliferation of bad actors in the healthcare environment; and, in the event that bad actors still test the healthcare waters, Health Literacy will allow access to the resources to address them.
The good news about Health Literacy is that literacy is contagious. It replicates as follows:
So in observance of Health Literacy Month, take some time to learn about acupuncture and TCM/EAM. Research your insurance plan to learn about the breadth and depth of all your benefits. Review your health resources (e.g., hospitals, medical centers, healthcare providers, health perks, etc.) and make additions and/or subtractions as needed. In short, do something that will improve your Health Literacy because what you know will improve the life of others.
Resources:
Regulatory Basics You must have a license to practice. It is illegal to practice acupuncture and use East Asian medical therapies without a license. You must also obtain additional certification to practice on animals. Certain non-acupuncturist professionals may practice as Auricular Detoxification Specialists if they register with the Board and renew their registration. If your license or registration has lapsed please take action to reinstate before you practice.
The National Auricular Detoxification Association (NADA), is the professional organization for all certified Auricular Detoxification Specialists (ADS). NADA offers the training to become a certified ADS in Maryland, offers membership and is a valuable resource for ADSes.
The American Acupuncture Society (ASA), the practice's professional organization, has a Maryland arm - The Maryland Association of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine (MAAEAM)- that offers membership. MAAEAM is a valuable resource for Licensed Acupuncturists.
About Paper Licenses The Board does not issue printed licenses. Please visit the
License Verification and Roster Information page to print and/or save a copy of your license status.
About Forms of Payment The Board no longer accepts checks or money orders. All payments must be made by credit or debit card.
About Practice Scope The practice statutes and regulations can be accessed from the Board’s landing page via the
Regulations, Board Meeting Minutes & Newsletters menu item on the left. The Board does not have the authority to interpret statute or regulations. Please consult with a legal professional if additional understanding is required.
About Continuing Education At present the Board does not approve/accredit/endorse specific
continuing education (CEU) providers. Licensees should ensure that the CEU provider is legitimate and provides content that meets industry standards. From time to time the Board does share training information. This does not mean that the Board has a relationship with this provider.
About License Status The Board has two renewal cycles annually: Spring & Fall. This means that the renewal system is only open twice a year beginning April 1st and October 1st. Spring renewals expire on May 31st and Fall renewals on November 30th. The Board sends notices by email and mail to licensees when it is time to renew.
About Contact Information The Board must be able to contact licensees at all times. This means that the Board must have licensees correct contact information at all times. If you change your address, phone number or email address please
inform the Board of the change so that we may reach you.
About Contact Information Licensees are required to advertise and practice in the name for which they are licensed. Name changes must be reported to the Board with supporting documentation.
*The form to report contact and name changes can be accessed in two ways on the Board's website: 1) on the Apply for an Acupuncture License page and on the Resources, Requirements & Information Requests page.
WHAT’S ON THE 2025 CALENDAR:
- Fall License Renewal Season: October 1st - December 31st
- Columbus Day Holiday October 13th - office closed
- November 4th Board Meeting
- Veteran's Day Holiday November 11th - office closed
- Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Fall Conference (Virtual) November 12th - 14th
- Thanksgiving Day Holiday November 27th - office closed
- American Indian Heritage Day Holiday November 28th - office closed
- Christmas Day Holiday December 25th - office closed
- Maryland State Legislative Session January 2026
- 9th Edition of International Conference on Traditional Medicine and Integrative Health June 22-24, 2026 | Barcelona, Spain
