Colorado Acupuncture State Federal Regulations.

National Certification

At the national level, The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is the only certifying entity for Acupuncturists, Chinese Herbalists and Asian Bodywork therapists in the United States. NCCAOM certification signifies that the practitioner has met nationally recognized standards of competence and safety. The completion of NCCAOM Board exams results in a Diplomate status in Acupuncture (Dipl.Ac.), Chinese Herbology (Dipl.C.H.), Oriental Medicine (Dipl.O.M.), or Bodywork Therapy (Dipl.A.B.T.)

State Licensing

Currently, state regulations for Acupuncturists and Chinese Herbologists vary from state to state. In order for an individual to receive the “Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)” title in Colorado, the individual must be certified by the NCCAOM in 4 out of the 5 exam modules (the Chinese Herbology module is not required to practice acupuncture and herbology in the state of Colorado). NCCAOM certification includes having graduated from an accredited Oriental Medical institution and passing the Clean Needle Technique (CNT) exam. More information on the Colorado Acupuncture Laws can be found here.