Division of Professions and Occupations Office of Acupuncture Licensure Director’s Position Statement

Director’s Position Statement: 001 Title: Display of “Dipl.Ac.” or Similar Designations by NonAcupuncturist Health Professionals Date issued: November 17, 2011 Date(s) revised: February 20, 2013 THE DIRECTOR’S POSITION: The Director for the Office of Acupuncture Licensure has determined that non-acupuncturist health professionals cannot be prohibited from displaying “Dipl. Ac.” or similar proprietary credentialing designations such as “Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)”, provided that the proprietary designation is accurate and truthful, and that the underlying credential is authentic and current. However, nothing in this position statement shall be construed to authorize the unlicensed practice of acupuncture.

BASIS FOR THE DIRECTOR’S POSITION: Section 12-29.5-105(1.5)(b)(II), C.R.S., states that it is unlawful for any person to: Use the title "licensed acupuncturist", "registered acupuncturist", or "diplomate of acupuncture", or use the designation "L.Ac.", "R.Ac.", or "Dipl. Ac.", unless such person is practicing pursuant to section 1236-106 (3). Section 12-36-106(3), C.R.S., details the exemptions from the licensing requirements of the Colorado Medical Practice Act. Prior to the late 1990’s, NCCAOM authorized display of the proprietary “Dipl. Ac.” credential by those individuals who passed the associated requirements. After the late 1990’s, the name of the credential changed to “Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)”. The purpose of § 12-29.5-105(1.5)(b)(II), C.R.S., is to protect the public from false and misleading use of any designation that would cause consumers to detrimentally rely on the designation for health care purposes. As such, the Director has determined that the public interest is satisfied and that there is no basis to prohibit a non-acupuncturist health care professional’s display of the

STATE OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES

DIRECTOR’S POSITION STATEMENT AMENDED FEBRUARY 20, 2013

credential when (1) the designation is proprietary, (2) the individual’s display of the designation is accurate and truthful, and (3) the underlying credential is authentic and current. Nothing in this position statement shall be construed to authorize the unlicensed practice of acupuncture.

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