2016 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 5 - Businesses and Professions
Chapter 5-37.2 - The Healing Art of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Section 5-37.2-2 - Definitions.

§ 5-37.2-2 Definitions.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the words, phrases, and derivatives employed in this chapter have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

(1) "Acupuncture" means the insertion of needles into the human body by piercing the skin of the body, for the purpose of controlling and regulating the flow of energy and blood in the body.

(2) "Department" means the state department of health.

(3) "Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine" means a person licensed under the provisions of this chapter to practice the art of healing known as acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

(4) "Oriental medicine" means a form of health care, based on classical Chinese medical concepts and modern Oriental medical techniques, that employs Chinese medical diagnosis such as pulse, tongue, palpatory, and observational diagnosis, as well as acupuncture therapies and diagnostic techniques based on newer scientific models for the assessment, treatment, prevention, and cure of any disease with the purpose of full health restoration. The techniques and modalities of Oriental medicine include acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion (heat therapy), cupping, TDP and infrared lamps, Tuina, Qi Gong, Gwa/sha, thermograpthy, herbal GMP standardized therapy, homeopathy and supplement therapy, chinese dieting therapy, breathing exercises, and life-style change consultations.

History of Section.
(P.L. 1978, ch. 287, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 18, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 140, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 20, § 7; P.L. 2015, ch. 150, § 2.)