To the Newsletter Editor Acupuncture Society of Pennsylvania

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, which represents local physician-acupuncturists, offers this letter expressing its position regarding the recent proposed Pennsylvania State acupuncture legislation.

I. Our Chapter does not oppose the elimination of physician supervision of non-physician acupuncturists with the stipulation that a provision for informed consent is in place.

2. With regard to the issue of changing from registration to licensure for both physician acupuncturists and non-physician acupuncturists, our membership is neutral. We are perfectly satisfied with the present registration status. However, we are adamant that any change in such status must apply equally to both physicians and non-physicians,

3. We are opposed to the proposed creation of a separate State Board of Acupuncture. However, our membership would support the establishment of a permanent acupuncture sub-committee of both State Medical Boards.

It is interesting to note that after extensive discussion about changing the existing acupuncture laws, the opinion of both the non-physician and physician members of the Acupuncture Society of Pennsylvania in their past meetings was essentially in agreement with the above three items. The proposed legislation goes beyond the aforementioned agreed upon points.

We agree that both non-physician and physician-acupuncturists share many common interests and goals and should work in harmony, It is much more important to increase the use of acupuncture for the many diverse conditions that affect our patients through appropriate public and professional education.

We welcome further discussion between both groups.

Sincerely,

>Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture>

191 Presidential Boulevard, Suite C-130 * Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004

* 610 668-2400 *