BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 628 Page 1 Date of Hearing: August 8, 2012 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair SB 628 (Yee) - As Amended: August 6, 2012 Policy Committee: Business and Professions Vote: 9-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill codifies existing Acupuncture Board regulations related to an acupuncturist's use of the title "Doctor" and the abbreviation "Dr." Specifically, this bill states that it is unprofessional conduct to use these terms unless the following conditions are satisfied: 1)The acupuncturist has earned a doctorate degree, as specified. 2)The acupuncturist indicates the type of license or degree that authorizes its use. FISCAL EFFECT Negligible state fiscal effect. COMMENTS Rationale . According to the author's office, this bill will place in statute the existing regulation governing the use of the title "Doctor" that has been promulgated by the Board. The author believes this legislation will help improve the quality of acupuncture in California. Analysis Prepared by : Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081 SB 628 Page 2