Pennsylvania Statutes Title 63 P.S. Professions and Occupations (State Licensed) § 1802. Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Acupuncture.” The stimulation of certain points on or near the surface of the body by the insertion of needles to prevent or alleviate the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control, for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body.

“Acupuncture educational program.”Training and instruction in acupuncture or supplemental acupuncture techniques offered by a degree-granting institution authorized by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth that leads to a master's degree, master's level certificate or diploma or first professional degree, that meets the relevant and appropriate requirements of 22 Pa. Code (relating to education) and 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries) and that meets or exceeds the standards required for acupuncture or oriental medicine programs established by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

“Acupuncturist.” An individual licensed to practice acupuncture by the State Board of Medicine or the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

“Board.” The State Board of Medicine and the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

“Commissioner.” The Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Department of State.

“East Asian herbology.”The use of herbal preparations and products that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, minerals and other organic materials or a combination of these items administered according to East Asian medicine tradition to normalize function.

“Herbal therapy.”The application of East Asian herbology to the treatment of acupuncture patients.

“Practitioner of Oriental medicine.”An acupuncturist who is licensed by the board to use herbal therapy.