2016 Tennessee Code
Title 63 - Professions of the Healing Arts
Chapter 6 - Medicine and Surgery
Part 10 - Acupuncture
§ 63-6-1002. Application.

(a) This part shall not apply to:

(1) Physicians licensed under this chapter or chapter 9 of this title, nor shall this part be construed so as to prevent the practice of acupuncture by such physicians or to prevent such physicians from using the title "acupuncturist";

(2) Registered nurses who are nationally certified as holistic nurses and who have successfully completed an accredited education program in acupuncture; or

(3) Chiropractic physicians licensed under chapter 4 of this title, nor shall any part of this title be construed so as to prevent the practice of acupuncture by chiropractic physicians who have completed two hundred fifty (250) hours of an accredited acupuncture course and have passed the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners acupuncture exam.

(b) It is otherwise unlawful to practice acupuncture for compensation or gratuitously unless certified under this part. This restriction does not apply to the following:

(1) Students practicing acupuncture under the supervision of a certified acupuncturist as part of a course of study approved by the committee; or

(2) Individuals who do not otherwise possess the credentials required for the practice of acupuncture by this part or regulations promulgated hereunder by the board are granted limited certification as an ADS for the purpose of the treatment of alcoholism, substance abuse or chemical dependency if they meet the following conditions:

(A) Provide documentation of successful completion of a board-approved training program in auricular detoxification acupuncture that meets or exceeds standards of training set by NADA;

(B) Practice auricular detoxification treatment in a hospital, clinic or treatment facility that provides comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse or chemical dependency services, including counseling, under the supervision of a certified acupuncturist or medical director;

(C) Satisfy all appropriate ethical standards specified in § 63-6-1007; and

(D) Limit their practice to the five-point auricular detoxification treatment.

(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. A person who violates this section shall also be subject to the sanctions specified in § 63-6-1007.