Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee
Ben Mickens 271-1403
HB 1269, relative to qualifications to practice acupuncture.
Hearing Date: April 1, 2026
Time Opened: 9:44 a.m. Time Closed: 9:54 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Pearl, Gannon, Altschiller and Reardon
Members of the Committee Absent : None
Bill Analysis: This bill modifies requirements for acupuncture licensure; adds an acupuncture detoxification specialist to the acupuncture board; and updates the name of the certification commission from the NCCAOM to the NCBAHM.
Sponsors:
Rep. Schmidt | Rep. Warden |
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Who supports the bill: Representative Pat Long; Rachel Bolton (NHAAMA); the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities; and Cory Stone, Elizabeth Ropp, Lindsey Bailey, Elizabeth Griffey, Angela Delyani, Linda Cipoletti, Denise Conrad, Stacey Smith, Robert Menard, Leah Landry, Amanda Liakas, Shawna Delworth, Jennifer Pease, Trina Serrecchia, Katrina MacIntosh, Carol Ellis, Shannon Stevens, Patricia Kiefner, Laura Gallagher, Louis Bornstein, Susan Lyle, Amy Grant, Jody Bell, Melissa Kimball, Elizabeth Buxton, Jillian Corey, and Maria Richards.
Who opposes the bill: No one.
Who is neutral on the bill: Director Deanna Jurius (OPLC).
Summary of testimony presented in support:
Representative Pat Long
- Rep Long explained that this legislation simplifies the requirements for out-of-state licenses to become acupuncturists in New Hampshire.
Elizabeth Robb
- Ms. Robb explained she is a licensed acupuncturist.
- Ms. Robb stated that this was worked on in collaboration with the state board and other parties.
- Ms. Robb explained that New Hampshire is one of three states which require acupuncturists to have a baccalaureate degree. Most other states do not require this and defer to accredited schools to set standards.
- Ms. Robb further detailed the issue of student loans being a weight on the industry already.
Rachel Bolton, Acting President, NH AAMA
- Ms. Bolton would reiterate the testimony prior and expressed support for the bill.
Summary of testimony presented in opposition: None.
Neutral Information Presented:
Deanna Jurius, Director, OPLC
- Director Jurius suggested a change to ensure an odd number of members of the board.
BM
Date Hearing Report completed: April 7, 2026