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HB 3344

ACUPUNCTURE LICENSURE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Theresa Mah

HB 3344 expands acupuncture to order lab tests for monitoring treatment (per state law) and removes the ban on acupuncturists advertising as physical therapists.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3344

Summary — HB 3344 (2025) — Acupuncture Licensure

Status: Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee
Introduced: February 25, 2025 (first reading Feb 18, 2025)
Primary sponsor: Rep. Theresa Mah
Citation amended: 225 ILCS 2/10 (Acupuncture Practice Act, Section 10; note: section scheduled for repeal Jan 1, 2028)

Purpose / intent

HB 3344 amends the definitions section of the Acupuncture Practice Act to (1) broaden the statutory definition of “acupuncture” to explicitly include the authority to order laboratory tests (subject to State law) for monitoring treatment and (2) remove a current statutory prohibition that prevents an acupuncturist (not also licensed as a physical therapist) from holding themselves out as qualified to provide physical therapy or physiotherapy services.

Key provisions

  • Revises the definition of “acupuncture” in Section 10 to expressly include ordering laboratory tests “in accordance with State law” to check, track, evaluate, and monitor the status and effectiveness of:
    • pain management,
    • herbal medicinal plans,
    • dietary and exercise plans,
    • and physician-provided orders (from physicians licensed under the Medical Practice Act).
  • Deletes the sentence in current law that states an acupuncturist who is not also licensed as a physical therapist “shall not hold himself or herself out as being qualified to provide physical therapy or physiotherapy services.” (i.e., removes that explicit prohibition).
  • Retains other existing definitions and references in Section 10; the introduced text contains editorial/formatting irregularities consistent with drafting changes.

Who is affected

  • Acupuncturists: potentially expanded scope to order laboratory tests for care coordination and monitoring (subject to other State law requirements). Also permitted — by removal of the prohibition — to represent qualifications regarding physical therapy unless other laws/scope-of-practice rules restrict that behavior.
  • Patients receiving acupuncture: may see broader diagnostic monitoring (laboratory testing) ordered by acupuncturists in some cases.
  • Physicians, dentists, physical therapists, laboratories, insurers, and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation/Board of Acupuncture: may be affected through changes to scope, referral/ordering relationships, billing, and oversight.
  • Physical therapists: potential professional/scope overlap or concerns about title/representation.

Procedural timeline (selected)

  • Filed with Clerk: Feb 7, 2025
  • First reading / referred to Rules Committee: Feb 18, 2025
  • Assigned to Health Care Licenses Committee: Mar 11, 2025
  • Public hearings and committee substitute considered: Apr 15 & Apr 30, 2025
  • Reported favorably as substituted: Apr 30, 2025
  • Committee report to Calendars: May 8, 2025
  • Current status listed as Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee (Mar 21 and reflected in later actions)

Notes and potential implications

  • “Ordering laboratory tests” is qualified by “in accordance with State law”; practical implementation will depend on other statutes/regulations (e.g., CLIA, requirements for physician orders, collaborative practice agreements).
  • Removing the prohibition on holding oneself out as a physical therapist does not itself create licensure as a physical therapist nor authorize performance of services statutorily reserved for licensed physical therapists — but it could raise title/advertising and scope‑overlap issues that professional boards or insurers may address.
  • The introduced text contains drafting irregularities; subsequent committee substitution or staff drafting may clarify scope and limits on lab ordering and on advertising/representation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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