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HB 1640

Placing licenses issued in chapters 18.71B and 18.71C RCW under the authority of the uniform disciplinary act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Bronoske and 3 co-sponsors

Washington HB 1640 brings acupuncturists and related licensed practitioners under the Uniform Disciplinary Act, standardizing state enforcement and complaint procedures effective July 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1640

Legislative bill overview

HB 1640 brings acupuncturists and certain other health practitioners licensed under Washington's Revised Code of Washington (RCW) chapters 18.71B and 18.71C under the state's Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA). This standardizes the disciplinary procedures, complaint processes, and enforcement mechanisms for these practitioners to align with other regulated health professions in Washington state.

Why is this important

The UDA provides consistent standards for investigating complaints, imposing sanctions, and protecting public safety across health professions. Bringing acupuncturists and related practitioners under this framework creates uniform accountability measures and may improve consumer protections and complaint resolution processes that previously operated under separate regulatory systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden: Practitioners may face new compliance requirements or stricter enforcement procedures under the more standardized UDA framework
  • Scope and consistency: Questions about whether the UDA's disciplinary standards are appropriately calibrated for acupuncture and related practices, which have different risk profiles than some other regulated professions
  • Implementation timeline: The July 2025 effective date provides limited transition period for affected practitioners and licensing boards to adapt systems and procedures

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

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