B. Frank
USA
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture of the only national membership organization for physician (M.D./D.O.) acupuncturists in the US. The AAMA seeks to provide quality education opportunities for its members as well as support members that encounter legislative challenges.
Each of the 50 states in the US has their own laws governing the right to practice acupuncture. Licensed non-physician acupuncturists practice acupuncture under specific state regulations. Several of the states prohibit physicians from practicing without first training and testing through non-physician routes, while other states require physician supervision of non-physician acupuncturists practice.
The implications for the loss of physicians’ rights is a serious problem which could be encountered in other nations. The ability of ICMART to address these issues and support the rights of physicians within their scope of practice is imperative.