_____________ bill NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT updating the definition of "acupuncture" to reflect modern techniques and modalities; AMENDING SECTION 37-13-103, MCA; and PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Section 37-13-103, MCA, is amended to read:

"37-13-103. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Acupuncture" means the diagnosis, treatment, or correction of human conditions, ailments, diseases, injuries, or infirmities by means of mechanical, thermal, or electrical stimulation effected by the insertion of solid needles. The term includes the use of acupressure and the use of oriental food remedies and herbs. a form of primary health care that is developed from traditional oriental and modern medical philosophies for providing evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of human conditions, ailments, diseases, injuries, or infirmities. Acupuncture includes the manual, mechanical, injection, thermal, vibrational, electrical, and electromagnetic stimulation and treatment of traditional and modern acupuncture points, trigger points, motor points, and ashi points on the human body for promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and prevention of disease. Acupuncture includes but is not limited to auricular acupuncture, body acupuncture, distal acupuncture, dry needling, point bleeding, and point injection. Adjunctive therapies included in, but not exclusive to, acupuncture include herbal and nutritional recommendations, therapeutic exercise, manual therapies, and other therapies based on traditional oriental and modern medical theory, as taught in accredited acupuncture programs.

(2) "Acupuncturist" means a natural person licensed by the board of medical examiners to practice acupuncture.

(3) "Board" means the Montana state board of medical examiners.

(4) "School of acupuncture" means a school in which acupuncture is taught that has been recognized and designated by the board of medical examiners."

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Effective date. [This act] is effective on passage and approval.