§ 43-34-62 — Definitions

As used in this article, the term: (1) "Acupuncture" means a form of therapy developed from traditional and modern Oriental concepts for health care that employs Oriental medical techniques, treatment, and adjunctive therapies for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of disease. (2) "Auricular (ear) detoxification therapy" means the insertion of disposable acupuncture needles into the five auricular acupuncture points stipulated by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol for the sole purpose of treatment of chemical dependency. (3) "Board" means the Georgia Composite Medical Board. (4) "Practice of acupuncture" means the insertion of disposable acupuncture needles and the application of moxibustion to specific areas of the human body based upon Oriental medical principles as a therapeutic modality. Dry needling is a technique of the practice of acupuncture. Adjunctive therapies within the scope of acupuncture may include manual, mechanical, herbal, thermal, electrical, and electromagnetic treatment and the recommendation of dietary guidelines and exercise, but only if such treatments, recommendations, and exercises are based on concepts of traditional Oriental medicine and are directly related to acupuncture therapy.

Legislative History

Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 243,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.