A Resolution recognizing October 24, 2026, as "Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Brennan and 16 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania designates October 24, 2026 as Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day to recognize practitioners and promote awareness, without creating policy or funding.

Reported as committed

Summary of HR 532 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

What the bill is

HR 532 is a concurrent or simple resolution proposed in the Pennsylvania legislature recognizing October 24, 2026, as “Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day” in Pennsylvania.

The bill is primarily ceremonial, expressing recognition and no apparent creation of new programs or funding authority.

Purpose and intent

To acknowledge the contributions of the acupuncture and herbal medicine professions to health and well-being in Pennsylvania.

To publicly designate a specific day to honor practitioners, education, and services within these disciplines.

To promote awareness and appreciation of traditional and complementary medicine practices alongside conventional medical care.

Key provisions

Official designation: October 24, 2026, is proclaimed as “Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day” in Pennsylvania.

Public acknowledgment: The resolution typically directs that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (and possibly the Senate, if a companion is introduced) recognize the day and may encourage schools, medical facilities, and organizations to observe or participate in related events.

Ceremonial language: The text will include statements of support for licensed or credentialed practitioners who practice acupuncture and herbal medicine and may reference the broader goals of patient access and informed choice in treatment options.

Who is affected

Acupuncture and herbal medicine practitioners and associations within Pennsylvania.

Patients and the general public who may observe or participate in related events, educational activities, or awareness campaigns.

State agencies, public institutions, and professional organizations that might host or promote observances or educational outreach on the designated day.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: As of the action history, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Health on May 20, 2026.

Movement: Referral to a committee typically means the bill will be reviewed for scope, supporting materials, and potential amendments. If advanced, it would proceed to floor consideration and potentially a full House vote, followed by the Senate (and any further reconciliation) before a final passage.

Nature of legislation: Resolutions typically do not require funding or create regulatory changes; they are ceremonial and express sentiment or recognition from lawmakers.

Potential impact

Symbolic recognition that may raise awareness about acupuncture and herbal medicine within Pennsylvania.

May foster collaboration among healthcare providers, educational institutions, and patient communities.

Could serve as a platform to highlight the importance of safe, evidence-informed complementary therapies and to promote public education on these modalities.

Notes

No specific policy changes, regulatory amendments, or funding provisions are described in the summary of the bill as provided.

The effectiveness and impact will depend on the observed observance by institutions and the responses of professional associations and the public.