License: Acupuncturist

Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services Division of Public Health Licensure Unit external site

301 Centennial Mall S

1st Floor

Lincoln, NE 68509

(402) 247-4915

<h3>Occupational Description</h3><br>Acupuncture means the insertion, manipulation, and removal of acupuncture needles and the application of manual, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and electromagnetic treatment to such needles at specific points or meridians on the human body in an effort to promote, maintain, and restore health and for the treatment of disease, based on acupuncture theory. Acupuncture may include the recommendation of therapeutic exercises, dietary guidelines, and nutritional support to promote the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture does not include manipulation or mobilization of or adjustment to the spine, extraspinal manipulation, or the practice of medical nutrition therapy.<br><h3>Licensure Requirements</h3><br>To obtain licensure as an acupuncturist, applicants must submit the following documentation to the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services: 1. A completed application on a form provided by the Department; 2. A Certificate of Acupuncture Education completed by a school on the form provided, and sent directly to HHS from the school, showing successful completion of the acupuncture curriculum requirements of a formal, full-time acupuncture program at a Board-approved school or college (ACAOM accredited) which includes at least 1,725 hours of entry-level acupuncture education consisting of a minimum of 1,000 didactic and 500 clinical hours; 3. Official documentation of passing score obtained on the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture Comprehensive Written Examination; 4. Official documentation of passing score obtained on the NCCAOM Point Location Examination; 5. Official documentation showing proof of completion of the Clean Needle Technique Course approved by the NCCAOM; 6. A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, marriage license, driver’s license, or other valid verification of age. Applicants must be at least 19 years of age; 7. A Verification of Licensure or Letter of Good Standing from the State Board from any location(s) outside of Nebraska where the applicant currently holds or has previously held a license/certificate or registration to practice acupuncture, including any temporary permits; 8. Citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status verification.<br><h3>Fees</h3><br>$300.00, or $75.00 if initial license is issued within 6 months prior to the next expiration date. Initial License Fee Waiver:Beginning January 1, 2020, the initial licensure fee will be waived for applicants of licenses issued underthe Uniform Credentialing Act who are:1) A Young Worker (between the ages of 18 – 25 (or, 17 – 25 if licensed under the CosmetologyPractice Act));2) Military Family (active duty service members, military spouses, honorably dischargedveterans, spouses of honorably discharged veterans, and un-remarried surviving spouses ofdeceased service members); and,3) Low-Income (enrolled in a state or federal public assistant program like SNAP, TANF, etc orwhose household adjusted gross income is below 130% of the federal income povertyguideline).What Will This Not Affect?This change in statute will not waive the fee for criminal background checks for those professions thatrequire one. It will not waive the fee required for renewal or reinstatement of licensure, even if thelicensee could be classified as a young worker, military family, or low-income. The law will not waive thePatient Safety fee required of physicians, osteopathic physicians, or physician assistants.There is a fee waiver available for active duty military personnel for renewal listed under a separatestatute. <br><h3>Renewal</h3><br>On or before May 1 of each odd-numbered year, licensees must submit: 1. A completed renewal application; 2. Attestation that they have met continuing competency requirements for renewal; 3. Payment of a $121.00 renewal fee.