Health committee eyes acupuncture measure

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday waded into a nearly decade-long feud between Utah acupuncturists and chiropractors.

SB249 would make law a rule that lets chiropractors offer incidental acupuncture services after undergoing 200 hours of training after completing their postdoctoral work.

Acupuncturists argue that's not enough time, given the 2,000-hour training regimen they must undergo to receive a license.

"This particular issue is the never-ending story, and unless you solve it you can count on it being back year after year after year," Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, said in sponsoring the measure.

The 200-hour training rule was established by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing in 1995 and officials haven't received a single complaint from patients who receive incidental acupuncture services from chiropractors, DOPL assistant director Laura Poe said.

But acupuncture practitioners like Brent Ottley don't believe the 200-hour rule is enough.

"This is a very sophisticated discipline that takes a long time to master. You can't acheive competence in that time no matter how brilliant you are," he said. But the committee followed a Jan. 27 written opinion from the attorney general that said DOPL was in its right to set up a 200-hour training regimen and chiropractors who complete that course can offer acupuncture services.

"I'm convinced DOPL's standars are appropriate," Sen. Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City said.