Florida Acupuncturists Have an Incredible Practice Act. 

Not all States afford acupuncturists the same opportunities to thrive and practice, but in Florida the scene is pretty sunny.

In Florida Acupuncturists are granted direct access to patient care.  Meaning no MD referral is needed, unless required by an insurance plan.  Other states, like TX, IL and VA require an MD diagnosis or referral for access to an Acupuncturist’s care.

Florida Acupuncturists are not prohibited from performing acupuncture injection therapies, like in AK, CA, DC, IA, MN, NJ, NC, and WY.

Florida Acupuncturists are not prohibited from using non-ionizing laser stimulation for acupuncture care, as seen in KS and KY.

In Florida, Acupuncture services are known to be safe and effective, so affordable professional liability limits are set at 10k/30k, unlike  GA – 100k/300k, ND – 250k/500k, and PA – 500k/1,000,000. – ouch…

Florida remains a welcoming and desirable place to build a practice and is among states with the least  red-tape, costs, and other barriers to access and care.

The Florida profession has traditionally led by example and provided precedent for other states to enact and strengthen their Acupuncture Practice Act; but, It’s been more than 25 years since a substantive update to the Practice Act has been reviewed and adopted by the State Legislature.

In 2025, the FSOMA Legislative Committee is working with legislators, the FL Dept of Health, and other health care stakeholders to approve an update to Florida Acupuncture Practice Act.

Primarily, the Association is seeking the inclusion of language and authority to clarify prescriptive rights associated with AIT, and ordering clinical laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging for patients who require these services to assist Acupuncturists’ clinical decision making to treat or their decision to refer.

FSOMA is also seeking to clarify that the practice of acupuncture requires and includes “evaluation and management” services.  Absence of this language and authority can be a key obstacle to fair and equitable insurance reimbursement for Acupuncture services.  It time to clear this up.

FSOMA is working to provide statutory authority (legal permission) for Florida Acupuncturists to practice to the full scope of their training and to use all of the skills and education to care for patients and strengthen their practice.  This is our focus and goal.

There are several areas of practice that enjoy authority in other states that have NOT been achieved in Florida.  These include

• definitions and authority for doctoral professional titles (in statute AZ, CA, DC, HI, ID, IL, LA, MA, NJ, NC, and WV);
• definitions and authority to supervise Acupuncture Assistants and AcuDetox Specialists, as seen in AZ, IA, LA, NY, LA, ME, MO, NH, NM, SC TN, and VA;
• a more detailed AIT formulary provided in statute as seen in, AZ, CO, ME, MT, NV, NM, UT, WA, and WV;
• and inclusion of term Functional Medicine (in NH statute) and IV Therapies (in NM statute) for those wishing to extend their training in this area. 

This is why every year is a legislative campaign year.  It is a slow and costly process with always something more to do.

To achieve greater recognition and authority in these areas of practice requires input and support from the whole profession, (past, future, and present), and from the institutions and organizations that educate and govern the profession.  That is why FSOMA is so grateful for the passionate participation and generous membership that the Association continues to enjoy year after year.

FSOMA’s strength and inspiration comes from its members.  This is why each and every member is valued so much; and it’s our members’ support that makes the Association bold, loud, and able to push the profession forward toward greater opportunity, certainty, and security.

Last year (2024), members contributed more than $50,000 to support legislative projects.  Every year brings new challenges and possibilities that FSOMA has to be prepared to meet.  This requires all acupuncture stakeholders to open their wallets and contribute an amount monthly, quarterly, or annually that meets your budget.  FSOMA relies on its members to see the wisdom in protecting and promoting their professional interests – your support helps you and all who depend on you for care.  This is a collective effort that supports each of us and the patients and community we serve.

The 2025 suggested amount for members’ support is a $27 – $57 monthly contribution.  Any amount is helpful and always welcome. 

Thank you.

Use the QR Code below for more information.  Thank you for your support.