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HB 405

HEALTH: Provides relative to the practice of acupuncture

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peter Egan

HB 405 would standardize acupuncture in Louisiana through licensure, scope, and ongoing education to protect patients and regulate practitioners.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 405

Overview

HB 405, introduced in the 2026 session of the Louisiana Legislature, addresses the regulation and scope of acupuncture practice. The bill is presented as health-related legislation and has moved through committee and floor action with favorable reports. It lists co-sponsor Peter Egan.

Purpose and intent

  • The primary aim is to provide relative guidance and possible expansion or clarification of the practice of acupuncture within Louisiana.
  • The bill seeks to establish or adjust standards governing who may practice acupuncture, under what conditions, and with what qualifications or oversight.

Key provisions and changes

Note: The specific statutory language is not provided here, but the bill’s context and movement through committees indicate the following typical elements often included in acupuncture-related legislation. If enacted, HB 405 would likely address:
- Licensure and eligibility: Requirements for individuals to practice acupuncture (e.g., credentials, certification, examination, or completion of an approved program).
- Scope of practice: Clarification of what procedures and therapies constitute acupuncture and what related techniques are permitted.
- Standards and regulation: Oversight by a state health or professional regulatory board, including standards of practice, professional conduct, and ongoing education.
- Certification and credentials: Possible creation or recognition of accredited certification bodies, credential renewals, and continuing education requirements.
- Patient safety and reporting: Mechanisms for maintaining patient safety, complaint processes, and disciplinary actions for violations.
- Collaboration with other providers: Provisions on how licensed acupuncturists may collaborate with medical doctors, chiropractors, or other licensed practitioners.
- Telehealth or remote practice: Any updated rules regarding practice across jurisdictions or telehealth modalities, if applicable.

Because the bill has been reported favorably and scheduled for floor action, its provisions may have undergone refinement to address regulatory concerns or to align with existing health profession standards in Louisiana.

Who would be affected

  • Practitioners: Individuals currently practicing or seeking to practice acupuncture in Louisiana, including requirements for licensure, certification, or registration.
  • Applicants: Students or professionals pursuing acupuncture credentials who would be subject to education, exam, and continuing education requirements.
  • Public: Patients and consumers who receive acupuncture services, with potential changes in credentialing of practitioners and safety oversight.
  • Regulatory bodies: State boards or departments responsible for health professions—likely involvement from a board or agency empowered to license and regulate acupuncture.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Prefiled: February 25, 2026.
  • First appearance: February 27, 2026, in the interim calendar.
  • Favorable committee report: February 25 and March 25, 2026 (9-0 vote on March 25).
  • Received in Senate and Rules suspended; read first time by title and placed on the calendar for a second reading: March 31, 2026.
  • Reported favorably (final passage in committee or overall): May 13, 2026.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, HB 405 could standardize acupuncture practice in Louisiana, potentially increasing patient safety through uniform education and licensing requirements.
  • The bill may affect access to acupuncture services, depending on whether it expands or tightens the scope of practice and who can obtain licensure.
  • For current practitioners, changes may require obtaining or maintaining specific credentials and adhering to new continuing education standards.
  • Stakeholders likely include licensed acupuncturists, medical providers who refer patients for acupuncture, acupuncture schools, and patient advocacy groups.

If you have access to the bill’s full text, I can provide a line-by-line analysis of the provisions and map each section to the above summary.

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

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