Application Instructions
- General Information
The Fair Information Practice Act: In compliance with Ind. Code 4-1-6, this agency is notifying you that you must provide the requested information, or your application will not be processed. You have the right to challenge, correct, or explain information maintained by this agency. The information you provide will become public record. Your examination scores and grade transcripts are confidential except in circumstances where their release is required by law, in which case you will be notified.
Mandatory Disclosure of U.S. Social Security Number: Your social security number is being requested by this state agency in accordance with Ind. Code 4-1-8-1 and 25-1-5- 11(a). Disclosure is mandatory, and this record cannot be processed without it. Failure to disclose your U.S. social security number will result in the denial of your application. Application fees are not refundable.
Abandon Applications: If an applicant does not submit all requirements within one (1) year after the date on which the application is filed, the application for licensure is abandoned without any action of the Board. An application submitted after an abandoned application shall be treated as a new application.
- Acupuncture Licensure Submit the following with your online application:
- Application Fee of $150.00: Pay by credit or debit card. All application fees are nonrefundable.
- Criminal Background Check
- Positive Response Documentation: If you answer "Yes" to any questions on the application, explain fully in a statement that includes all details. Include the violation, location, date, cause number, and disposition. Submit copies of court documents for each instance to support the statement. If malpractice, provide the name(s) of the plaintiff(s).
- Name Change Documentation: Documentation of any legal name change if your name differs from that on any of your documents. Documentation may include a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
- Verification of State Licensure(s): The applicant must request a “License Verification or Letter of Good Standing” from each State/Country in which you currently are or have ever been licensed, certified, or registered in any regulated health profession or occupation. This includes all licenses etc., that are active, expired, inactive, retired, delinquent etc. In addition to any Acupuncture license/permit etc., this also pertains to any professional health license such as an EMT, Chiropractic, Dentist, Podiatrist, etc.
- Official Transcript/Certificate: The applicant must submit a transcript from the training program or acupuncture college program that is approved by the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. An acupuncturist must show completion of three (3) years of postsecondary training.
ACAOM
Maryland Trade Center #3
7501 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 760
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(301) 313-0855
www.acaom.org
- Certification: Submit a copy of proof of current active status as a Diplomate in acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
NCCAOM
76 South Laura Street, Suite 1290
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 598-1005
www.nccaom.org- Clean Needle Technique: All applicants must submit a copy of proof of completion of a clean needle technique course approved by the NCCAOM.
ACUPUNCTURE SCHOOLS: Must be accredited by; is a candidate for accreditation by; or meets the standards of; the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Their website is www.acaom.org.
FOREIGN TRAINED: Submit all notarized documents in the original language and include a notarized translation of the document. Both must be included.
- Acupuncture Licensure for Licensed Chiropractor/Dentist/Podiatrist
Submit the following with your online application:
- Application Fee of $150.00: Pay by credit or debit card. All application fees are nonrefundable.
- Criminal Background Check
- Positive Response Documentation: If you answer "Yes" to any questions on the application, explain fully in a statement that includes all details. Include the violation, location, date, cause number, and disposition. Submit copies of court documents for each instance to support the statement. If malpractice, provide the name(s) of the plaintiff(s).
- Name Change Documentation: Documentation of any legal name change if your name differs from that on any of your documents. Documentation may include a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
- Verification of State Licensure(s): The applicant must request a “License Verification or Letter of Good Standing” from each State/Country in which you currently are or have ever been licensed, certified, or registered in any regulated health profession or occupation. This includes all licenses etc., that are active, expired, inactive, retired, delinquent etc. In addition to any Acupuncture license/permit etc., this also pertains to any professional health license such as an EMT, Chiropractic, Dentist, Podiatrist, etc.
- Official Transcript/Certificate: The applicant must submit a transcript from the school or program which is an approved college or university of learning accredited by an accrediting agency that has been approved by the United States Department of Education where the applicant obtained two hundred (200) hours of acupuncture training.
ACUPUNCTURE SCHOOLS: Must be accredited by; is a candidate for accreditation by; or meets the standards of; the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Their website is www.acaom.org.
- Acupuncture Detox Specialist
Submit the following with your online application:
- Application Fee of $10.00: Pay by credit or debit card. All application fees are nonrefundable.
- Criminal Background Check
- Positive Response Documentation: If you answer "Yes" to any questions on the application, explain fully in a statement that includes all details. Include the violation, location, date, cause number, and disposition. Submit copies of court documents for each instance to support the statement. If malpractice, provide the name(s) of the plaintiff(s).
- Name Change Documentation: Documentation of any legal name change if your name differs from that on any of your documents. Documentation may include a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
- Verification of State Licensure(s): The applicant must request a “License Verification or Letter of Good Standing” from each State/Country in which you currently are or have ever been licensed, certified, or registered in any regulated health profession or occupation. This includes all licenses etc., that are active, expired, inactive, retired, delinquent etc. In addition to any Acupuncture license/permit etc., this also pertains to any professional health license such as an EMT, Chiropractic, Dentist, Podiatrist, etc.
- Training Program: All applicants must submit a copy of documentation of successful completion of a board approved training program in acupuncture for the treatment of alcoholism, substance abuse, or chemical dependency that meets or exceeds the standards of training by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.
- Diploma: All applicants must submit a copy of a high school diploma or general education development diploma.
- Clean Needle Technique: All applicants must submit a copy of proof of completion of a clean needle technique course approved by the NCCAOM.
- Supervisors: All applicants must submit a list of current and previous supervisors.
TRAINING: The Board accepts programs approved by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. Their website is www.acudetox.com.
- Information Regarding Reciprocity
- Licensure by Reciprocity: The Board shall issue a license to an applicant if the applicant satisfies the following conditions:
- Holds a current license from another state or jurisdiction; and
- that state's or jurisdiction's requirements for a license are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements for a license of the Board; or
- when the person was licensed or certified by another state:
- there were minimum education requirements in the other state or jurisdiction;
- if there were applicable work experience and clinical supervision requirements in effect, the person met those requirements to be licensed in that state; and
- if required by the other state or jurisdiction, the person previously passed an examination required for the license or certification.
- Has not committed any act in any state or jurisdiction that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license, certificate, registration, or permit to practice that occupation in Indiana at the time the act was committed.
- Does not have a complaint or an investigation pending before the regulating agency in another state or jurisdiction that relates to unprofessional conduct.
- Is in good standing and has not been disciplined by the agency that has authority to issue the license or certification.
- If a law regulating the applicant's occupation requires the board to administer an examination on the relevant laws of Indiana, the Board may require the applicant to take and pass an examination specific to the laws of Indiana.
- Pays any fees required by the Board for which the applicant is seeking licensure.
- Holds a current license from another state or jurisdiction; and
- Licensure by Reciprocity: The Board shall issue a license to an applicant if the applicant satisfies the following conditions:
Renewal Instructions
- Renewal Information
LICENSURE RENEWAL FOR LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST:
Renewal notices are sent approximately ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date. Licensees with a valid email address on file will be emailed the renewal information. Licensees that do not have a valid email address on file will be mailed license renewal information. This notice is mailed to the licensee's address of record with the Board. By completing the renewal, you are verifying that the applicant holds a current active certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. A person who holds a license as an acupuncturist must renew biennially as required by IC 25-2.5-2-5.
LICENSE REINSTATEMENT
A person who fails to renew his or her license within three (3) years after its expiration must reinstate their license. The following additional information is required:
- Reinstate Online!
- Documents to Upload:
- Proof of active NCCAOM
- Signed work history from the time your license expired to current
- Verification of all licenses you hold or have held
RENEWAL FOR LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ACUPUNCTURIST
(DC, DPM, DDS):
A renewal for chiropractors, dentists, and podiatrists shall be submitted to the agency on or before the date of the renewal of the primary license. Therefore the renewal of a:
- Chiropractor's Acupuncture License shall be submitted to the agency on or before July 1 of each even-numbered year simultaneously with the renewal of the chiropractor license;
- Dentist's Acupuncture License shall be submitted to the agency on or before March 1 of each even-numbered year simultaneously with the renewal of the dental license; and
- Podiatrist's Acupuncture License shall be submitted to the agency on or before June 30 of the fourth odd-numbered year simultaneously with the renewal of the podiatrist license.
The renewal fee shall be in addition to the renewal fee of the primary license.
RENEWAL FOR ACUPUNCTURE DETOXIFICATION SPECIALIST (ADS):
A person who holds a certification as an ADS must renew biennially as required by IC 25-2.5-2-5. Your supervisor must renew prior to your renewing.
Exams & Testing
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Information about the required board examination process may be found on the NCCAOM Board Examination Process page.
Fee Schedule
- Acupuncture Applications/Renewals
Acupuncture Application/Renewal from 844 IAC 13-2-6 Fees Fee Penalty Total Licensed Acupuncturist Initial Application $150 NA $150 Acupuncture Detox Specialist Initial Application $10 NA $10 Acupuncturist DC Initial Application $150 NA $150 Acupuncturist DDS Initial Application $150 NA $150 Active Renewal for Licensed Acupuncturist - Prior to September 30 of even-numbered years $100 $50 $150 Active Renewal for Acupuncture Detox Specialist - Prior to September 30 of even-numbered years $20 $50 $70 Active Renewal for Acupuncture DC - Prior to July 1 of even-numbered years $100 $50 $150 Active Renewal for Acupuncturist DDS - Prior to March 1 of even-numbered years $100 $50 $150 Reinstatement for Licensed Acupuncturist - Expired over three years $250 NA $250 Reinstatement for Acupuncture Detox Specialist - Expired over three years $30 NA $30 Reinstatement for Acupuncturist DC - Expired over three years $250 NA $250 Reinstatement for Licensed Acupuncture - Expired over three years $250 NA $250 Reinstatement for Acupuncture DC - Expired over three years $250 NA $250 Reinstatement for Acupuncture DS - Expired over three years $30 NA $30 Reinstatement for Acupuncture DDS - Expired over three years $250 NA $250
Additional Information
- Applicant FAQs
- Question: Why must I provide my email address?
- Answer: An email address is now required to access your online account for management of your Indiana application and/or license. Additionally, we require an email address for all correspondence regarding your application, license, renewals etc. Please make sure you keep it current with us just as you would your mailing address.
- Question: I have a professional acupuncturist license do I need CE’s to renew it?
- Answer: A professional acupuncturist could be a Dentist, Podiatrist, or Chiropractor. You do not have to have CE to renew your acupuncture license, however you must have a current professional (DDS; DPM; Chiro) license in order to renew your acupuncture license. Your professional license may require CE.
- Question: I have an acupuncture and detoxification specialist license do I need CE to renew either of them?
- Answer: No, we do not require CE for either an acupuncture license renewal or a detoxification specialist renewal.
- Question: I am a physician. Do I need an acupuncture license to perform acupuncture?
- Answer: No, physicians and osteopathic physicians can perform acupuncture in Indiana under their Indiana medical license.
- Question: Why must I provide my email address?
- General FAQs
- Question: Who can perform acupuncture?
- Answer: Acupuncturists or acupuncture detoxification specialists who maintain a valid acupuncture license issued by the Medical Licensing Board and physicians licensed by the Medical Licensing Board. A dentist, podiatrist or chiropractor licensed in Indiana may also practice acupuncture, only within the scope of their respective licenses and if they maintain a valid professional acupuncture license issued by the Medical Licensing Board.
- Question: I would like to see an acupuncturist, can you refer me to one?
- Answer: No. The Medical Licensing Board licenses acupuncturists. It is unable to provide referrals. Once you are provided the name of an acupuncturist, you may use our Free Search & Verify service to verify the status of an acupuncturist, i.e., valid, delinquent, or action against the license.
- Question: Can you tell me whether an acupuncturist has had a complaint filed against them? What about an adverse action filed against them?
- Answer: No. Complaints and/or investigations are not subject to public disclosure. You can use our Free Search & Verify service to determine if formal disciplinary charges have been filed, or disciplinary action has been taken against a licensed acupuncturist.
- Question: What is an acupuncturist allowed to do?
- Answer: Acupuncture is a form of health care employing traditional and modern Oriental medical concepts, Oriental medical diagnosis and treatment, and adjunctive therapies and diagnostic techniques for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of disease. Licensed acupuncturists can insert acupuncture needles, apply moxibustion to specific areas of the body based upon Oriental medical diagnosis, practice auricular acupuncture and use electronic stimulation or manual pressure to prevent or modify the perception of pain to normalize physiological functions, or for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body.
- Question: What is an acupuncturist detoxification specialist?
- Answer: An acupuncturist detoxification specialist who is an individual who has an acupuncturist detoxification specialist license but is not a licensed acupuncturist. They may practice auricular acupuncture for the purpose of treating alcoholism, substance abuse or chemical dependency provided they meet certain training requirements and practice under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist or physician in an approved alcohol, substance abuse, or chemical dependency program.
- Question: What can’t an acupuncturist do?
- Answer: A licensed acupuncturist cannot provide radiology services, electrosurgery, chiropractic technique, physical therapy, use or prescribe any drugs, medications, serums or vaccines, or make an allopathic differential diagnosis. Indiana Administrative Code, 844 IAC 13-1-2.
- Question: Do I need a referral from my regular doctor to see an acupuncturist and will my insurance cover acupuncture treatment?
- Answer: An acupuncturist is considered a primary care provider and a referral may or may not be required for insurance purposes. Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment. For more information on insurance, please contact either your insurance company or an acupuncture association.
- Question: Are acupuncturists required to use disposable needles?
- Answer: Yes. It is unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use a needle more than once. All needles must be pre-sterilized, single use and disposable. Indiana Administrative Code, 844 IAC 13-1-2.
- Question: I read an advertisement where an acupuncturist claims the ability to cure my disease. Is this legal?
- Answer: No. An acupuncturist may not make any false, fraudulent, materially misleading, or deceptive statement or claim. Indiana Administrative Code, 844 IAC 13-5-6.
- Question: Does Indiana have reciprocity with other states?
- Answer: Yes, provided the individual can demonstrate that they hold a license in another state or country whose qualifications are substantially equivalent to Indiana’s; the individual is a current active diplomate in acupuncture with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture; and, has completed a three year postsecondary training program or acupuncture college program that is approved by or substantially equivalent to the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
- Question: Who can perform acupuncture?