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SB 229

ALLOW AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Tobiassen

SB 229 authorizes auricular acupuncture practice in New Mexico, expanding treatment options but requiring regulatory clarity on practitioner qualifications and oversight.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · SB 229

Legislative bill overview

SB 229 would authorize the practice of auricular acupuncture (acupuncture performed on the ear) in New Mexico, likely by allowing qualified practitioners to offer this service without current legal restrictions. The bill appears to create or clarify licensing or scope-of-practice provisions for this specific acupuncture technique.

Why is this important

Auricular acupuncture is used to treat various conditions including pain, addiction, and anxiety, and is practiced in many states. This bill would determine whether New Mexico residents can legally access this treatment and under what professional credentials, affecting both practitioners' ability to work and patients' healthcare options.

Potential points of contention

  • Evidence and regulation: Questions about whether auricular acupuncture meets clinical evidence standards and how it should be regulated compared to traditional acupuncture
  • Scope of practice conflicts: Potential disputes over which professionals (acupuncturists, nurses, physicians, other practitioners) should be allowed to perform auricular acupuncture
  • Licensing and oversight: Debate over what training, certification, or licensing requirements should apply to practitioners offering this service

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

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