L. Cindy Theroux-Jette | Oppose HB1269

January 21, 2026 Dear Chairperson Layon and Honorable Members of the Executive Departments and Administration Committee: I write today to provide testimony on HB 1269, an act relative to qualifications to practice acupuncture. In summary, the current text of HB 1269: updates the definition of NADA training; adds a certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) practitioner to the Board of Acupuncture Licensing; modifies licensure requirements, including education and reciprocity standards for licensed acupuncturists; and changes the requirements for supervision of ADS practitioners by licensed acupuncturists. I thank you for your work on this bill and respectfully request your consideration of the following: The New Hampshire Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Association (NHAAMA) has proposed amendments, with which I agree: Part 1 - Regarding definition of NADA training: do not strike [that is in effect on July 1, 2017]; maintain original text. Part 2 - Regarding addition of ADS member to the board: Accept as written, which increases board membership to six (four licensed acupuncturists, one public member, and one ADS). As a secondary option, if the committee prefers the number of board members remain at five, replace one licensed acupuncturist member with one ADS member. Part 3 - Regarding licensure requirements and reciprocity: Strike the undergraduate degree-specific language, as the burden of that requirement is already a pre-requisite for admission to a post-secondary acupuncture school program. Specify that applicants must show proof of completion from a post-secondary acupuncture school or hold a current and valid license from another state whose requirements are substantially equal to or exceed New Hampshire requirements for licensure. Strike "NCCAOM" in all instances and replace with "NCBAHM" to reflect the official name change from "NCCAOM" to "NCBAHM". "NCCAOM" stands for National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and the name was officially changed to National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine earlier in January of 2026. Clarify that board certification through "NCBAHM" by examination is required for licensure. Part 4 - Regarding supervision requirements: Do not adopt the proposed change "during the first two years of certification"; instead, retain the existing language regarding general supervision of ADS practitoners by licensed New Hampshire acupuncturists. I fully support efforts that maintain the highest standards of acupuncture practice while improving efficiency of licensing and reciprocity with other states. Proposed amendments must ensure ongoing public safety and reflect current terminology and national standards while serving to streamline and clarify licensure pathways. Retaining the current supervision of ADS practitioners by licensed acupuncturists will encourage collaboration between licensed acupuncturists and ADS practitioners as well as ensure public safety and high standards of practice as ADS practitioner participation increases in New Hampshire. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding these comments or require any further information. Respectfully submitted, L. Cindy Theroux-Jette, PhD, OT/L, LAc, CFMP NH Licensed Acupuncturist and Past Chair, NH Board of Acupuncture Licensing