BILL NUMBER: SB 628 AMENDED
BILL TEXT
AMENDED IN SENATE MAY 9, 2011
AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 25, 2011
AMENDED IN SENATE MARCH 22, 2011
INTRODUCED BY Senator Yee
FEBRUARY 18, 2011
An act to amend Sections 27, 101, 130, 144, 149, 205,
730.5, 800, 4925, 4927, 4928, 4928.1, 4935, 4937,
4935, 4955, 4955.1, 4955.2, 4956, 4959,
4960.2, 4961, 4965, 4966, 4967, 4969, 4970, 4974, and 4975
and 4969 of, to add Section 4964.5 to, and to
add Article 3 (commencing with Section 4950) to Chapter 12 of
Division 2 of, the Business and Professions Code, relating to
acupuncture.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 628, as amended, Yee. Acupuncture: regulation.
Existing law, the Acupuncture Licensure Act, establishes the
Acupuncture Board and makes it responsible for enforcing and
administering the act, including licensing persons who meet specified
licensure requirements. Under the act, licensees are titled
"acupuncturists," and are authorized to perform designated activities
pursuant to their license. The unlawful practice of acupuncture is a
crime.
This bill would retitle the act as the Traditional
Chinese Medicine Licensure Act, would change the designation of
"acupuncturist" to "Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner," and
would define the term "Traditional Chinese Medicine" to be identical
to the term "acupuncture." The bill would expand the scope of
authorized activities for these practitioners under their license to
include the performance of traumatology, as defined. The bill would
also , commencing May 1, 2012, require the board to issue a
certificate for certified traumatology, as defined,
to practice as a traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist to applicants an
applicant who meet meets certain
training and clinical experience requirements ,
pass an passes a board-administered examination,
and pay pays a specified fee. The bill
would limit the submittal of applications to the period between
January 1, 2012, until and December 15,
2012, and would prohibit the board from issuing a certificate after
December 15, 2012. The bill would require the board to establish the
traumatology advisory committee to advise the board about the
certification processes for traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologists. The bill would set forth procedures for the renewal
of an unexpired or expired certificate to perform traditional
Chinese Medicine traumatology and would establish specified
fees in that regard. The bill would make it a crime to use the title
of "certified traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist"
without meeting these certification requirements and to fraudulently
buy or sell a certificate for traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatology, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the
state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that
reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this
act for a specified reason.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: yes.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares
all of the following:
(a) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) comprises a system of
health care that originated in China more than 5,000 years ago and
has been provided in the United States for more than 150 years. TCM
is a comprehensive system for the assessment and treatment of acute
and chronic disorders, as well as preventative health care and
maintenance.
(b) The first written documentation on TCM is the Hung-Di
Nei-Jing, known as the Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine.
Hung-Di Nei-Jing is the oldest medical textbook in the world;
different opinions date the book back to between 800 BCE and 200 BCE.
The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine lays a primary
foundation for the theories of Chinese medicine, which extensively
summarizes and systematizes the previous experience of treatment and
theories of medicine, such as the meridian theory, as well as many
other issues, including, but not limited to, physiology, pathology,
prevention, diagnosis, treatment, acupuncture, moxibustion, and tui
na.
(c) The Chinese medical text that first describes acupuncture was
in this book. Forms of acupuncture also include Chimsul, which is
part of traditional Korean medicine, and Kampo, which is part of
traditional Japanese medicine. Ancient Chinese text also reveals that
the medical benefits of massage therapy were recognized early on.
The tradition of massage therapy in China evolved from the knowledge
and approaches of doctors practicing TCM to include the beliefs of
martial artists, Buddhists, and Taoists.
(d) Traditional Chinese Medicine was formally systemized in the
1950s under the People's Republic of China. Government researchers
were sent throughout China to collect and document the practices and
theories of TCM. The Traditional Chinese Medicine we know today is
the official Chinese medicine practice that was derived from this
research.
(e) Currently in California, practitioners of TCM are recognized
as licensed acupuncturists. Acupuncture is one of the many modalities
within TCM. This nomenclature is misleading and problematic as the
scope of practice of a licensed acupuncturist includes other
modalities of TCM and not just acupuncture.
(f) Further, traumatology is one of the modalities that
constitutes TCM. It is a very important part of TCM science with a
complete theoretical system. Traumatology, like orthopedics, includes
a range of treatments to address both acute and chronic
musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many nonmusculoskeletal
conditions.
(g) Before China systemized its health care system, individuals
acquired their mastery of traumatology through a master-apprentice
relationship. Individuals learned from a master through hands-on
training. Although highly skilled, it is extremely difficult for
these practitioners to obtain proof of their training to qualify for
the existing requirement for licensure as an acupuncturist. A group
of these practitioners reside in the State of California.
(h) Accordingly, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting
this measure to do the following:
(1) Change the name of the Acupuncture Board to the Traditional
Chinese Medicine Board and change the designation of an individual
who achieves licensure as an acupuncturist as a licensed Traditional
Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
(2) Create a process by which a currently practicing
traumatologist is able to obtain certification as a traumatologist by
demonstrating expertise in traumatology in accordance with
established standards and criteria, to be administered by the
Traditional Chinese Medicine Board.
SEC. 2. Section 27 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
27. (a) Each entity specified in subdivision (b) shall provide on
the Internet information regarding the status of every license
issued by that entity in accordance with the California Public
Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7
of Title 1 of the Government Code) and the Information Practices Act
of 1977 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1798) of Title 1.8 of
Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code). The public information to be
provided on the Internet shall include information on suspensions
and revocations of licenses issued by the entity and other related
enforcement action taken by the entity relative to persons,
businesses, or facilities subject to licensure or regulation by the
entity. In providing information on the Internet, each entity shall
comply with the Department of Consumer Affairs Guidelines for Access
to Public Records. The information may not include personal
information, including home telephone number, date of birth, or
social security number. Each entity shall disclose a licensee's
address of record. However, each entity shall allow a licensee to
provide a post office box number or other alternate address, instead
of his or her home address, as the address of record. This section
shall not preclude an entity from also requiring a licensee, who has
provided a post office box number or other alternative mailing
address as his or her address of record, to provide a physical
business address or residence address only for the entity's internal
administrative use and not for disclosure as the licensee's address
of record or disclosure on the Internet.
(b) Each of the following entities within the Department of
Consumer Affairs shall comply with the requirements of this section:
(1) The Traditional Chinese Medicine Board shall disclose
information on its licensees.
(2) The Board of Behavioral Sciences shall disclose information on
its licensees, including marriage and family therapists, licensed
clinical social workers, and licensed educational psychologists.
(3) The Dental Board of California shall disclose information on
its licensees.
(4) The State Board of Optometry shall disclose information
regarding certificates of registration to practice optometry,
statements of licensure, optometric corporation registrations, branch
office licenses, and fictitious name permits of its licensees.
(5) The Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors shall
disclose information on its registrants and licensees.
(6) The Structural Pest Control Board shall disclose information
on its licensees, including applicators, field representatives, and
operators in the areas of fumigation, general pest and wood
destroying pests and organisms, and wood roof cleaning and treatment.
(7) The Bureau of Automotive Repair shall disclose information on
its licensees, including auto repair dealers, smog stations, lamp and
brake stations, smog check technicians, and smog inspection
certification stations.
(8) The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair shall disclose
information on its licensees, including major appliance repair
dealers, combination dealers (electronic and appliance), electronic
repair dealers, service contract sellers, and service contract
administrators.
(9) The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau shall disclose information on
its licensees, including cemetery brokers, cemetery salespersons,
cemetery managers, crematory managers, cemetery authorities,
crematories, cremated remains disposers, embalmers, funeral
establishments, and funeral directors.
(10) The Professional Fiduciaries Bureau shall disclose
information on its licensees.
(11) The Contractors' State License Board shall disclose
information on its licensees in accordance with Chapter 9 (commencing
with Section 7000) of Division 3. In addition to information related
to licenses as specified in subdivision (a), the board shall also
disclose information provided to the board by the Labor Commissioner
pursuant to Section 98.9 of the Labor Code.
(12) The Board of Psychology shall disclose information on its
licensees, including psychologists, psychological assistants, and
registered psychologists.
(13) The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education shall disclose
information on private postsecondary institutions under its
jurisdiction, including disclosure of notices to comply issued
pursuant to Section 94935 of the Education Code.
(c) "Internet" for the purposes of this section has the meaning
set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (e) of Section 17538.
SEC. 3. Section 101 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
101. The department is comprised of:
(a) The Dental Board of California.
(b) The Medical Board of California.
(c) The State Board of Optometry.
(d) The California State Board of Pharmacy.
(e) The Veterinary Medical Board.
(f) The California Board of Accountancy.
(g) The California Architects Board.
(h) The Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology.
(i) The Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
(j) The Contractors' State License Board.
(k) The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
(l) The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home
Furnishings, and Thermal Insulation.
(m) The Board of Registered Nursing.
(n) The Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(o) The State Athletic Commission.
(p) The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
(q) The State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
(r) The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
(s) The Court Reporters Board of California.
(t) The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
(u) The Landscape Architects Technical Committee.
(v) The Division of Investigation.
(w) The Bureau of Automotive Repair.
(x) The Respiratory Care Board of California.
(y) The Traditional Chinese Medicine Board.
(z) The Board of Psychology.
(aa) The California Board of Podiatric Medicine.
(ab) The Physical Therapy Board of California.
(ac) The Arbitration Review Program.
(ad) The Physician Assistant Committee.
(ae) The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board.
(af) The California Board of Occupational Therapy.
(ag) The Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
(ah) The Naturopathic Medicine Committee.
(ai) The Dental Hygiene Committee of California.
(aj) The Professional Fiduciaries Bureau.
(ak) Any other boards, offices, or officers subject to its
jurisdiction by law.
SEC. 4. Section 130 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
130. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the term of
office of any member of an agency designated in subdivision (b) shall
be for a term of four years expiring on June 1.
(b) Subdivision (a) applies to the following boards or committees:
(1) The Medical Board of California.
(2) The California Board of Podiatric Medicine.
(3) The Physical Therapy Board of California.
(4) The Board of Registered Nursing.
(5) The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
(6) The State Board of Optometry.
(7) The California State Board of Pharmacy.
(8) The Veterinary Medical Board.
(9) The California Architects Board.
(10) The Landscape Architect Technical Committee.
(11) The Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
(12) The Contractors' State License Board.
(13) The State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
(14) The Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(15) The Court Reporters Board of California.
(16) The State Athletic Commission.
(17) The Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
(18) The Respiratory Care Board of California.
(19) The Traditional Chinese Medicine Board.
(20) The Board of Psychology.
SEC. 5. Section 144 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
144. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an agency
designated in subdivision (b) shall require an applicant to furnish
to the agency a full set of fingerprints for purposes of conducting
criminal history record checks. Any agency designated in subdivision
(b) may obtain and receive, at its discretion, criminal history
information from the Department of Justice and the United States
Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(b) Subdivision (a) applies to the following:
(1) California Board of Accountancy.
(2) State Athletic Commission.
(3) Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(4) Court Reporters Board of California.
(5) State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
(6) California State Board of Pharmacy.
(7) Board of Registered Nursing.
(8) Veterinary Medical Board.
(9) Registered Veterinary Technician Committee.
(10) Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
(11) Respiratory Care Board of California.
(12) Hearing Aid Dispensers Advisory Commission.
(13) Physical Therapy Board of California.
(14) Physician Assistant Committee of the Medical Board of
California.
(15) Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board.
(16) Medical Board of California.
(17) State Board of Optometry.
(18) Traditional Chinese Medicine Board.
(19) Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
(20) Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
(21) Division of Investigation.
(22) Board of Psychology.
(23) The California Board of Occupational Therapy.
(24) Structural Pest Control Board.
(25) Contractors' State License Board.
(26) Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine.
(27) The Professional Fiduciaries Bureau.
(c) The provisions of paragraph (24) of subdivision (b) shall
become operative on July 1, 2004. The provisions of paragraph (25) of
subdivision (b) shall become operative on the date on which
sufficient funds are available for the Contractors' State License
Board and the Department of Justice to conduct a criminal history
record check pursuant to this section or on July 1, 2005, whichever
occurs first.
SEC. 6. Section 149 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
149. (a) If, upon investigation, an agency designated in
subdivision (e) has probable cause to believe that a person is
advertising in a telephone directory with respect to the offering or
performance of services, without being properly licensed by or
registered with the agency to offer or perform those services, the
agency may issue a citation under Section 148 containing an order of
correction that requires the violator to do both of the following:
(1) Cease the unlawful advertising.
(2) Notify the telephone company furnishing services to the
violator to disconnect the telephone service furnished to any
telephone number contained in the unlawful advertising.
(b) This action is stayed if the person to whom a citation is
issued under subdivision (a) notifies the agency in writing that he
or she intends to contest the citation. The agency shall afford an
opportunity for a hearing, as specified in Section 125.9.
(c) If the person to whom a citation and order of correction is
issued under subdivision (a) fails to comply with the order of
correction after that order is final, the agency shall inform the
Public Utilities Commission of the violation and the Public Utilities
Commission shall require the telephone corporation furnishing
services to that person to disconnect the telephone service furnished
to any telephone number contained in the unlawful advertising.
(d) The good faith compliance by a telephone corporation with an
order of the Public Utilities Commission to terminate service issued
pursuant to this section shall constitute a complete defense to any
civil or criminal action brought against the telephone corporation
arising from the termination of service.
(e) Subdivision (a) shall apply to the following boards, bureaus,
committees, commissions, or programs:
(1) The Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology.
(2) The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
(3) The Veterinary Medical Board.
(4) The Landscape Architects Technical Committee.
(5) The California Board of Podiatric Medicine.
(6) The Respiratory Care Board of California.
(7) The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home
Furnishings, and Thermal Insulation.
(8) The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
(9) The Bureau of Automotive Repair.
(10) The California Architects Board.
(11) The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board.
(12) The Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
(13) The Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(14) The Structural Pest Control Board within the Department of
Pesticide Regulation.
(15) The Traditional Chinese Medicine Board.
(16) The Board of Psychology.
(17) The California Board of Accountancy.
(18) The Naturopathic Medicine Committee.
(19) The Physical Therapy Board of California.
(20) The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
SEC. 7. Section 205 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
205. (a) There is in the State Treasury the Professions and
Vocations Fund. The fund shall consist of the following special
funds:
(1) Accountancy Fund.
(2) California Architects Board Fund.
(3) Athletic Commission Fund.
(4) Barbering and Cosmetology Contingent Fund.
(5) Cemetery Fund.
(6) Contractors' License Fund.
(7) State Dentistry Fund.
(8) State Funeral Directors and Embalmers Fund.
(9) Guide Dogs for the Blind Fund.
(10) Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Fund.
(11) California Architects Board-Landscape Architects Fund.
(12) Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California.
(13) Optometry Fund.
(14) Pharmacy Board Contingent Fund.
(15) Physical Therapy Fund.
(16) Private Investigator Fund.
(17) Professional Engineers' and Land Surveyors' Fund.
(18) Consumer Affairs Fund.
(19) Behavioral Sciences Fund.
(20) Licensed Midwifery Fund.
(21) Court Reporters' Fund.
(22) Veterinary Medical Board Contingent Fund.
(23) Vocational Nurses Account of the Vocational Nursing and
Psychiatric Technicians Fund.
(24) Electronic and Appliance Repair Fund.
(25) Geology and Geophysics Fund.
(26) Dispensing Opticians Fund.
(27) Traditional Chinese Medicine Fund.
(28) Physician Assistant Fund.
(29) Board of Podiatric Medicine Fund.
(30) Psychology Fund.
(31) Respiratory Care Fund.
(32) Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Fund.
(33) Board of Registered Nursing Fund.
(34) Psychiatric Technician Examiners Account of the Vocational
Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians Fund.
(35) Animal Health Technician Examining Committee Fund.
(36) State Dental Hygiene Fund.
(37) State Dental Assistant Fund.
(38) Hearing Aid Dispensers Account of the Speech-Language
Pathology and Audiology Fund.
(b) For accounting and recordkeeping purposes, the Professions and
Vocations Fund shall be deemed to be a single special fund, and each
of the several special funds therein shall constitute and be deemed
to be a separate account in the Professions and Vocations Fund. Each
account or fund shall be available for expenditure only for the
purposes as are now or may hereafter be provided by law.
SEC. 8. Section 730.5 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
730.5. (a) It is unprofessional conduct and a crime, as provided
in Section 4935, for a physician and surgeon, osteopathic physician,
dentist, or podiatrist to direct or supervise the performance of
acupuncture involving the application of a needle to the body of a
human being by a person licensed under this division who is not
licensed pursuant to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Licensure Act
established by Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 4925).
(b) It is unprofessional conduct and a crime, as provided in
Section 4935, for a person licensed under this division who is not
licensed pursuant to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Licensure Act
established by Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 4925) to perform
acupuncture involving the application of a needle to the body of a
human being at the direction or under the supervision of a physician
and surgeon, osteopathic physician, dentist, or podiatrist.
SEC. 9. Section 800 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
800. (a) The Medical Board of California, the Board of
Psychology, the Dental Board of California, the Osteopathic Medical
Board of California, the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the
Board of Registered Nursing, the Board of Vocational Nursing and
Psychiatric Technicians, the State Board of Optometry, the Veterinary
Medical Board, the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Physical
Therapy Board of California, the California State Board of Pharmacy,
the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid
Dispensers Board, the California Board of Occupational Therapy, and
the Traditional Chinese Medicine Board shall each separately create
and maintain a central file of the names of all persons who hold a
license, certificate, or similar authority from that board. Each
central file shall be created and maintained to provide an individual
historical record for each licensee with respect to the following
information:
(1) Any conviction of a crime in this or any other state that
constitutes unprofessional conduct pursuant to the reporting
requirements of Section 803.
(2) Any judgment or settlement requiring the licensee or his or
her insurer to pay any amount of damages in excess of three thousand
dollars ($3,000) for any claim that injury or death was proximately
caused by the licensee's negligence, error or omission in practice,
or by rendering unauthorized professional services, pursuant to the
reporting requirements of Section 801 or 802.
(3) Any public complaints for which provision is made pursuant to
subdivision (b).
(4) Disciplinary information reported pursuant to Section 805,
including any additional exculpatory or explanatory statements
submitted by the licentiate pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section
805. If a court finds, in a final judgment, that the peer review
resulting in the 805 report was conducted in bad faith and the
licensee who is the subject of the report notifies the board of that
finding, the board shall include that finding in the central file.
For purposes of this paragraph, "peer review" has the same meaning as
defined in Section 805.
(5) Information reported pursuant to Section 805.01, including any
explanatory or exculpatory information submitted by the licensee
pursuant to subdivision (b) of that section.
(b) Each board shall prescribe and promulgate forms on which
members of the public and other licensees or certificate holders may
file written complaints to the board alleging any act of misconduct
in, or connected with, the performance of professional services by
the licensee.
If a board, or division thereof, a committee, or a panel has
failed to act upon a complaint or report within five years, or has
found that the complaint or report is without merit, the central file
shall be purged of information relating to the complaint or report.
Notwithstanding this subdivision, the Board of Psychology, the
Board of Behavioral Sciences, and the Respiratory Care Board of
California shall maintain complaints or reports as long as each board
deems necessary.
(c) The contents of any central file that are not public records
under any other provision of law shall be confidential except that
the licensee involved, or his or her counsel or representative, shall
have the right to inspect and have copies made of his or her
complete file except for the
provision that may disclose the identity of an information source.
For the purposes of this section, a board may protect an information
source by providing a copy of the material with only those deletions
necessary to protect the identity of the source or by providing a
comprehensive summary of the substance of the material. Whichever
method is used, the board shall ensure that full disclosure is made
to the subject of any personal information that could reasonably in
any way reflect or convey anything detrimental, disparaging, or
threatening to a licensee's reputation, rights, benefits, privileges,
or qualifications, or be used by a board to make a determination
that would affect a licensee's rights, benefits, privileges, or
qualifications. The information required to be disclosed pursuant to
Section 803.1 shall not be considered among the contents of a central
file for the purposes of this subdivision.
The licensee may, but is not required to, submit any additional
exculpatory or explanatory statement or other information that the
board shall include in the central file.
Each board may permit any law enforcement or regulatory agency
when required for an investigation of unlawful activity or for
licensing, certification, or regulatory purposes to inspect and have
copies made of that licensee's file, unless the disclosure is
otherwise prohibited by law.
These disclosures shall effect no change in the confidential
status of these records.
SEC. 10. Section 4925 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4925. (a) This chapter constitutes the chapter on acupuncture of
the Business and Professions Code.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Traditional
Chinese Medicine Licensure Act. Whenever a reference is made to the
Traditional Chinese Medicine Licensure Act or the Acupuncture
Licensure Act by the provisions of any statute, it is to be construed
as referring to the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Any reference in this chapter, or to the regulations
pertaining thereto, to "certificate" or "certification" shall
hereafter mean "license" or "licensure." Except as to a certified
traumatologist, any reference to the term "certifying" means
"licensing," and the term "certificate holder" means "licensee." Any
reference to the "Acupuncture Committee" or "committee" means the
"Traditional Chinese Medicine Board" or "board."
(c) The title "acupuncturist," as applied to an individual to whom
a license has been issued to practice acupuncture pursuant to this
chapter that is in effect and is not suspended or revoked, is renamed
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner. Any reference by the
provisions of this chapter, this code or other codes, or in any
statute or regulation to an acupuncturist shall be deemed a reference
to a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
SEC. 11. Section 4927 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4927. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise
requires:
(a) "Board" means the Traditional Chinese Medicine Board.
(b) "Person" means any individual, organization, or corporate
body, except that only individuals may be licensed under this
chapter.
(c) "Acupuncturist" means an individual to whom a license has been
issued to practice acupuncture pursuant to this chapter, which is in
effect and is not suspended or revoked. Any reference to
"acupuncturist" in this chapter, this code or other codes, or in any
statute or regulation shall be deemed to mean a Traditional Chinese
Medicine Practitioner.
(d) "Acupuncture" or "the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine"
means the stimulation of a certain point or points on or near the
surface of the body by the insertion of needles to prevent or modify
the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions,
including pain control, for the treatment of certain diseases or
dysfunctions of the body and includes the techniques of
electroacupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion.
SEC. 12. Section 4928 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4928. The board, which consists of seven members, shall enforce
and administer this chapter.
This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2013,
and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that
is enacted before January 1, 2013, deletes or extends that date.
The repeal of this section renders the board subject to the review
required by Article 7.5 (commencing with Section 9147.7) of Chapter
1.5 of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 13. Section 4928.1 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4928.1. Protection of the public shall be the highest priority
for the board in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and
disciplinary functions. Whenever the protection of the public is
inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the
protection of the public shall be paramount.
SEC. 14. SECTION 1. Section 4935 of
the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4935. (a) (1) It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not
less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not more than two thousand
five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by imprisonment in a county jail
not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment, for
any person who does not hold a current and valid license to practice
acupuncture under this chapter to hold himself or herself out as
practicing or engaging in the practice of acupuncture, or to hold
himself or herself out as a certified traditional Chinese
Medicine traumatologist or use the title of "certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist" without meeting
the requirements of this chapter.
(2) It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one
hundred dollars ($100) and not more than two thousand five hundred
dollars ($2,500), or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding
one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment, for any person to
fraudulently buy, sell, or obtain a license to practice acupuncture
or a certificate for traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatology, or to violate the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person, other
than a physician and surgeon, a dentist, or a podiatrist, who is not
licensed under this article but is licensed under Division 2
(commencing with Section 500), who practices acupuncture involving
the application of a needle to the human body, performs any
acupuncture technique or method involving the application of a needle
to the human body, or directs, manages, or supervises another person
in performing acupuncture involving the application of a needle to
the human body is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(c) A person holds himself or herself out as engaging in the
practice of acupuncture by the use of any title or description of
services incorporating the words "acupuncture," "acupuncturist,"
"certified acupuncturist," "licensed acupuncturist," "Asian medicine,"
"oriental medicine," "Traditional Chinese Medicine," or any
combination of those words, phrases, or abbreviations of those words
or phrases, by representing that he or she is trained, experienced,
or an expert in the field of acupuncture, Asian medicine, or Chinese
medicine, or by representing that he or she is trained, experienced,
or an expert in the field of traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatology.
(d) Subdivision (a) shall not prohibit a person from administering
acupuncture treatment as part of his or her educational training if
he or she:
(1) Is engaged in a course or tutorial program in acupuncture, as
provided in this chapter; or
(2) Is a graduate of a school of acupuncture approved by the board
and participating in a postgraduate review course that does not
exceed one year in duration at a school approved by the board.
SEC. 15. Section 4937 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4937. (a) An acupuncturist's license authorizes the holder
thereof:
(1) To engage in the practice of acupuncture.
(2) To perform or prescribe the use of Asian massage, acupressure,
breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition,
diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary
supplements to promote, maintain, and restore health. Nothing in this
section prohibits any person who does not possess an acupuncturist's
license or another license as a healing arts practitioner from
performing, or prescribing the use of any modality listed in this
subdivision.
(3) To perform traumatology, which includes a range of treatments
to address both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well
as many nonmusculoskeletal conditions. Techniques include, but are
not limited to, brushing, kneading, rolling, pressing, and rubbing
the areas between each of the joints to open the body's defensive chi
and stimulate the energy movement in both meridians and the muscles
so that the licensee is able to use range of motion, traction, and
massage with the stimulation of acupuncture points.
(b) For purposes of this section, a "magnet" means a mineral or
metal that produces a magnetic field without the application of an
electric current.
(c) For purposes of this section, "plant, animal, and mineral
products" means naturally occurring substances of plant, animal, or
mineral origin, except that it does not include synthetic compounds,
controlled substances or dangerous drugs as defined in Sections 4021
and 4022, or a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing
with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code.
(d) For purposes of this section, "dietary supplement" has the
same meaning as defined in subsection (ff) of Section 321 of Title 21
of the United States Code, except that dietary supplement does not
include controlled substances or dangerous drugs as defined in
Section 4021 or 4022, or a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2
(commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and
Safety Code.
SEC. 16. SEC. 2. Article 3
(commencing with Section 4950) is added to Chapter 12 of Division 2
of the Business and Professions Code, to read:
Article 3. Traumatologists
4950. (a) On or before March 1, 2012, the board shall establish a
Traumatology Advisory Committee within the board.
(b) The committee shall consist of six members composed of
representatives from the clinical settings of traumatology , the
California Medical Association, the Medical Board of California, the
California Orthopaedic Association, and th e board
.
(c) (1) Subject to subdivision (d), the committee shall meet
and confer to determine the certification standards, including
the level of experience and training needed for an individual to
qualify for traditional Chinese Medicine traumatology
certification.
(2) The committee shall advise the board in developing the
application form and the written examination for certification.
(d) Commencing May 1, 2012, until December 15, 2012, the board
shall issue a certificate for certified traditional Chinese
Medicine traumatology to any person who makes an application
and meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Is at least 18 years of age.
(2) Furnishes satisfactory evidence of training and clinical
experience which meets the standards established by the committee and
confirmed by the board.
(3) Passes a written examination administered by the board that
tests the applicant's ability, competency, and knowledge of
Chinese Medicine traumatology. The written examination shall be
developed by the Office of Professional Examination Services of the
Department of Consumer Affairs.
(4) Is not subject to denial pursuant to Division 1.5 (commencing
with Section 475).
(e) An applicant for traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatology certification shall, commencing January 1, 2012,
until December 15, 2012, file an application for a certificate for
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatology in this state.
On and after December 15, 2012, the board shall not issue an initial
license certificate to any applicant.
On and after December 15, 2012, the board may issue only a renewal of
a certificate under this section. An individual who is not qualified
to receive a certificate under this section, or who fails to apply
for certification under this section by December 15, 2012, shall not
hold himself or herself out as a certified traditional
Chinese Medicine traumatologist pursuant to this section.
(f) Traumatology is defined as treating both acute and chronic
musculoskeletal conditions through stimulation of acupressure points
using a range of hands-on body treatment, including traction and
massage. Traumatology addresses pain associated with the muscles,
joints, and skeletal system. Traumatology involves manipulation
techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous
relationships, a technique called bonesetting.
(g) A certified traumatologist shall maintain a relationship with
an orthopedic surgeon when involved in manipulation techniques to
realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships, a
technique called bonesetting. The extent of the relationship between
a traumatologist and orthopedic surgeon in the case of bonesetting
shall be determined by the board in consultation with the Medical
Board of California.
(f) A certified traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist, when
engaging in manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal
and ligamentous relationships, shall be supervised by a physician and
surgeon who has completed an orthopaedic residency program. The
extent of the relationship between a traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist and orthopedic surgeon regarding those manipulation
techniques shall be determined by the advisory committee after the
qualifications necessary for certification are defined by the
committee and adopted by the board.
(h)
(g) An applicant for certification as a
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist shall pay an
application fee in the amount of seventy-five dollars ($75) when
submitting his or her application to the board.
(i)
(h) A certified traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist shall renew his or her certificate every five years.
(j)
(i) An expired certificate may be renewed at any time
within three years after its expiration. The holder of the
certificate shall pay all accrued and unpaid renewal fees, plus a
delinquency fee.
(1) The renewal fee shall be seventy-five dollars ($75).
(2) The delinquency fee shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).
(3) The fee for a duplicate or replacement engraved wall
certificate shall be fifteen dollars ($15).
(4) The fee for a duplicate or replacement renewal receipt/pocket
certificate shall be ten dollars ($10).
(k)
(j) Moneys received under this section shall be
deposited in the Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Fund for purposes of this chapter.
(l)
(k) It is an unfair business practice for any person to
hold himself or herself out as a certified traditional Chinese
Medicine traumatologist or use the title of "certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist" without meeting
the requirements of this chapter.
SEC. 17. SEC. 3. Section 4955 of the
Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4955. The board may deny, suspend, or revoke, or impose
probationary conditions upon, the license of any acupuncturist or
certificate of any traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist if he or she is guilty of unprofessional conduct.
Unprofessional conduct shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(a) Using or possessing any controlled substance as defined in
Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety
Code, or dangerous drug or alcoholic beverage to an extent or in a
manner dangerous to himself or herself, or to any other person, or to
the public, and to an extent that the use impairs his or her ability
to engage in the practice of acupuncture or traumatology with safety
to the public.
(b) Conviction of a crime substantially related to the
qualifications, functions, or duties of an acupuncturist or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist, the record
of conviction being conclusive evidence thereof.
(c) False or misleading advertising.
(d) Aiding or abetting in, or violating or conspiring in, directly
or indirectly, the violation of the terms of this chapter or any
regulation adopted by the board pursuant to this chapter.
(e) Except for good cause, the knowing failure to protect patients
by failing to follow infection control guidelines of the board,
thereby risking transmission of blood-borne infectious diseases from
licensee to patient, from patient to patient, and from patient to
licensee. In administering this subdivision, the board shall consider
referencing the standards, regulations, and guidelines of the State
Department of Health Services developed pursuant to Section 1250.11
of the Health and Safety Code and the standards, regulations, and
guidelines pursuant to the California Occupational Safety and Health
Act of 1973 (Part 1 (commencing with Section 6300) of Division 5 of
the Labor Code) for preventing the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B,
and other blood-borne pathogens in health care settings. As
necessary, the board shall consult with the Medical Board of
California, the California Board of Podiatric Medicine, the Dental
Board of California, the Board of Registered Nursing, and the Board
of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, to encourage
appropriate consistency in the implementation of this subdivision.
The board shall seek to ensure that licensees are informed of the
responsibility of licensees and others to follow infection control
guidelines, and of the most recent scientifically recognized
safeguards for minimizing the risk of transmission of blood-borne
infectious diseases.
(f) The use of threats or harassment against any patient or
licensee for providing evidence in a disciplinary action, other legal
action, or in an investigation contemplating a disciplinary action
or other legal action.
(g) Discharging an employee primarily for attempting to comply
with the terms of this chapter.
(h) Disciplinary action taken by any public agency for any act
substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of
an acupuncturist, certified traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist, or any professional health care licensee.
(i) Any action or conduct that would have warranted the denial of
the acupuncture license or the traumatology certificate.
(j) The violation of any law or local ordinance on an
acupuncturist's or certified traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist's business premises by an acupuncturist's or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist's employee or
a person who is working under the acupuncturist's or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist's professional
license or business permit, that is substantially related to the
qualifications, functions, or duties of an acupuncturist or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist. These
violations shall subject the acupuncturist or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist who employed the
individuals, or under whose acupuncture license or traumatology
certificate the employee is working, to disciplinary action.
(k) The abandonment of a patient by the licensee or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist without written
notice to the patient that treatment is to be discontinued and before
the patient has had a reasonable opportunity to secure the services
of another practitioner.
(l) The failure to notify the board of the use of any false,
assumed, or fictitious name other than the name under which he or she
is licensed as an individual to practice acupuncture or as an
individual certified in traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatology.
SEC. 18. SEC. 4. Section 4955.1 of
the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4955.1. The board may deny, suspend, revoke, or impose
probationary conditions upon the license of any acupuncturist or
certified traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist if
he or she is guilty of committing a fraudulent act, including, but
not limited to, any of the following:
(a) Securing a license by fraud or deceit.
(b) Committing a fraudulent or dishonest act as an acupuncturist
or certified traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist.
(c) Committing any act involving dishonesty or corruption with
respect to the qualifications, functions, or duties of an
acupuncturist or certified traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist.
(d) Altering or modifying the medical record of any person, with
fraudulent intent, or creating any false medical record.
(e) Failing to maintain adequate and accurate records relating to
the provision of services to his or her patients.
SEC. 19. SEC. 5. Section 4955.2 of
the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4955.2. The board may deny, suspend, revoke, or impose
probationary conditions upon the license of any acupuncturist or
certified traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist if
he or she is guilty of committing any one of the following:
(a) Gross negligence.
(b) Repeated negligent acts.
(c) Incompetence.
SEC. 20. SEC. 6. Section 4956 of the
Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4956. A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a
plea of nolo contendere made to a charge that is substantially
related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of an
acupuncturist or certified traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist is deemed to be a conviction within the meaning of
this chapter.
The board may order a license suspended or revoked, or may deny a
license, or may impose probationary conditions upon a license, when
the time for appeal has elapsed, or the judgment of conviction has
been affirmed on appeal, or when an order granting probation is made
suspending the imposition of sentence irrespective of a subsequent
order under Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code allowing the person to
withdraw his or her pleas of guilty and to enter a plea of not
guilty, or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing the
accusation, complaint, information, or indictment.
SEC. 21. Section 4959 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4959. (a) The board may request the administrative law judge,
under his or her proposed decision in resolution of a disciplinary
proceeding before the board, to direct any licensee found guilty of
unprofessional conduct to pay to the board a sum not to exceed actual
and reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution of the
case.
(b) The costs to be assessed shall be fixed by the administrative
law judge and shall not in any event be increased by the board. When
the board does not adopt a proposed decision and remands the case to
an administrative law judge, the administrative law judge shall not
increase the amount of any costs assessed in the proposed decision.
(c) When the payment directed in the board's order for payment of
costs is not made by the licensee, the board may enforce the order
for payment in the superior court in the county where the
administrative hearing was held. This right of enforcement shall be
in addition to any other rights the board may have as to any licensee
directed to pay costs.
(d) In any judicial action for the recovery of costs, proof of the
board's decision shall be conclusive proof of the validity of the
order of payment and the terms for payment.
(e) All costs recovered under this section shall be considered a
reimbursement for costs incurred and shall be deposited in the
Traditional Chinese Medicine Fund.
SEC. 22. SEC. 7. Section 4960.2 of
the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4960.2. The board in all cases of revocation shall certify the
fact of the revocation, under the seal of the board, to the business
licensing entity of the cities or counties in which the license of
the acupuncturist or certificate of the traditional Chinese
Medicine traumatologist has been revoked. The record of the
revocation made by the county or city clerk shall be sufficient
evidence of the revocation, and of the regularity of all proceedings
of the board in the matter of the revocation.
SEC. 23. SEC. 8. Section 4961 of the
Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4961. (a) Every person who is now or hereafter licensed to
practice acupuncture or certified in traditional Chinese
Medicine traumatology in this state shall register, on forms
prescribed by the board, his or her place of practice, or, if he or
she has more than one place of practice, all of the places of
practice. If the licensee or certificate holder has no place of
practice, he or she shall notify the board of that fact. A person
licensed or certified by the
board shall register within 30 days after the date of his or her
licensure or certification.
(b) A licensee or certificate holder shall post his or her license
or certificate in a conspicuous location in his or her place of
practice at all times. If an acupuncturist or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist has more than one
place of practice, he or she shall obtain from the board a duplicate
license or certificate for each additional location and post the
duplicate license or certificate at each location.
(c) Any licensee or certificate holder that changes the location
of his or her place of practice shall register each change within 30
days of making that change. In the event a licensee or certificate
holder fails to notify the board of any change in the address of a
place of practice within the time prescribed by this section, the
board may deny renewal of licensure or certification. An applicant
for renewal of licensure or certification shall specify in his or her
application whether or not there has been a change in the location
of his or her place of practice and, if so, the date of that change.
The board may accept that statement as evidence of the change of
address.
SEC. 24. SEC. 9. Section 4964.5 is
added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
4964.5. The provisions of this article apply to both acupuncture
and certified traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologists.
SEC. 25. SEC. 10. Section 4965 of
the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4965. (a) (1) A license to practice acupuncture issued pursuant
to this chapter shall expire on the last day of the birth month of
the licensee during the second year of a two-year term, if not
renewed.
(2) The board shall establish and administer a birth date renewal
program for purposes of this subdivision.
(3) To renew an unexpired license, the holder shall apply for
renewal on a form provided by the board and pay the renewal fee fixed
by the board.
(b) A certificate for traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatology issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire five years
after the date of issuance, if not renewed. To renew an unexpired
certificate, the holder shall apply for renewal on a form provided by
the board and pay the renewal fee set forth in Section 4950.
SEC. 26. SEC. 11. Section 4966 of
the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4966. (a) Except as provided in Section 4969, a license to
practice acupuncture that has expired may be renewed at any time
within three years after its expiration by filing an application for
renewal on a form provided by the board, paying all accrued and
unpaid renewal fees, and providing proof of completing continuing
education requirements. If the license is not renewed prior to its
expiration, the acupuncturist, as a condition precedent to renewal,
shall also pay the prescribed delinquency fee.
(b) Except as provided in Section 4969, a certificate for
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatology that has expired may
be renewed at any time within three years after its expiration by
filing an application for renewal on a form provided by the board,
and paying all accrued and unpaid renewal fees. If the certificate is
not renewed prior to its expiration, the traditional Chinese
Medicine traumatologist, as a condition precedent to renewal,
shall also pay a delinquency fee, to be set in accordance with
Section 163.5.
(c) Renewal under this section shall be effective on the date on
which the application is filed, on the date on which the renewal fee
is paid, or on the date the delinquency fee is paid, whichever occurs
last. If so renewed, the license or certificate shall continue in
effect through the expiration date provided in Section 4965, after
the effective date of the renewal, when it shall expire and become
invalid if it is not again renewed.
SEC. 27. SEC. 12. Section 4967 of
the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4967. A person who fails to renew his or her license or
certificate within three years after its expiration may not renew it,
and it may not be restored, reissued, or reinstated thereafter, but
that person may apply for and obtain a new license or certificate if
he or she meets all of the following requirements:
(a) Has not committed any acts or crimes constituting grounds for
denial of licensure or certification under Division 1.5 (commencing
with Section 475).
(b) If an acupuncturist, takes and passes the examination, if any,
which would be required of him or her if an initial application for
licensure was being made, or, if an acupuncturist or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist, otherwise
establishes to the satisfaction of the board that, with due regard
for the public interest, he or she is qualified to practice as an
acupuncturist or certified traditional Chinese Medicine
traumatologist.
(c) Pays all of the fees that would be required if an initial
application for licensure or certification was being made.
(d) The board may provide for the waiver or refund of all or any
part of an examination fee in those cases in which a license to
practice acupuncture is issued without an examination pursuant to
this section.
SEC. 28. SEC. 13. Section 4969 of
the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
4969. (a) A suspended license or certificate is subject to
expiration and shall be renewed as provided in this article, but the
renewal does not entitle the acupuncturist or certified
traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologist, while the license
or certificate remains suspended, and until it is reinstated, to
engage in the practice of acupuncture or traditional Chinese
Medicine traumatology, or in any other activity or conduct in
violation of the order or judgment by which the license or
certificate was suspended.
(b) A revoked license or certificate is subject to expiration as
provided in this article, but it may not be renewed. If it is
reinstated after its expiration, the former licensee or certificate
holder, as a condition to reinstatement, shall pay a reinstatement
fee in an amount equal to the renewal fee in effect on the last
regular renewal date before the date on which the license or
certificate was reinstated, plus the delinquency fee, if any, accrued
at the time of its expiration.
SEC. 29. Section 4970 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4970. The amount of fees prescribed for licensed acupuncturists
shall be those set forth in this section unless a lower fee is fixed
by the board in accordance with Section 4972:
(a) The application fee shall be seventy-five dollars ($75).
(b) The examination and reexamination fees shall be the actual
cost to the board for the development and writing of, grading, and
administering of each examination.
(c) The initial license fee shall be three hundred twenty-five
dollars ($325), except that if the license will expire less than one
year after its issuance, then the initial license fee shall be an
amount equal to 50 percent of the initial license fee.
(d) The renewal fee shall be three hundred twenty-five dollars
($325) and in the event a lower fee is fixed by the board, shall be
an amount sufficient to support the functions of the board in the
administration of this chapter. The renewal fee shall be assessed on
an annual basis until January 1, 1996, and on and after that date the
board shall assess the renewal fee biennially.
(e) The delinquency fee shall be set in accordance with Section
163.5.
(f) The application fee for the approval of a school or college
under Section 4939 shall be three thousand dollars ($3,000).
(g) The duplicate wall license fee is an amount equal to the cost
to the board for the issuance of the duplicate license.
(h) The duplicate renewal receipt fee is ten dollars ($10).
(i) The endorsement fee is ten dollars ($10).
(j) The fee for a duplicate license for an additional office
location as required under Section 4961 shall be fifteen dollars
($15).
SEC. 30. Section 4974 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4974. The board shall report to the Controller at the beginning
of each month for the month preceding the amount and source of all
revenue received by it pursuant to this chapter, and shall pay the
entire amount thereof to the Treasurer for deposit in the Traditional
Chinese Medicine Fund, which fund is created to carry out the
provisions of this chapter.
SEC. 31. Section 4975 of the Business and
Professions Code is amended to read:
4975. An acupuncture corporation is a corporation that is
authorized to render professional services, as defined in Section
13401 of the Corporations Code, so long as that corporation and its
shareholders, officers, directors, and employees rendering
professional services who are acupuncturists are in compliance with
the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act, this article and all
other statutes and regulations now or hereafter enacted or adopted
pertaining to that corporation and the conduct of its affairs.
With respect to an acupuncture corporation, the governmental
agency referred to in the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act
is the board.
SEC. 32. SEC. 14. No reimbursement
is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of
the California Constitution because the only costs that may be
incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred
because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a
crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or
infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government
Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of
Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.