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From the Chair
Dear Colleagues,
As summer unfolds in full bloom, we hope you are enjoying the longer days, warmer weather, and the abundance of flowers and fresh vegetables that this season brings. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the fire element and the peak of yang energy—representing outward expression, vitality, and growth. It’s a time to nourish the heart, embrace connection, and allow the season’s brightness to support both our internal and external flourishing.
We’d also like to bring your attention to important developments regarding insurance. The ASA Insurance Committee has provided direction for in-network providers to confirm your documentation meets carrier standards as more audits occur each day. Please be sure to read the Insurance Committee’s newsletter update for guidance. Our committee is also working diligently to ensure that your rights and access to fair reimbursement remain protected as they continue to work with the VA regarding recoupments and denials by Triwest.
Regarding Medicare Advocacy, the ASA/NCCAOM Medicare Task Force recognizes the widespread effects of the current administration’s legislative priorities, particularly the recently passed budget bill, which impacts families and individuals across the country. As a result, HR1667 is not expected to gain immediate traction with lawmakers at this time. With the upcoming Congressional summer recess, no advocacy meetings will be scheduled in the near future. The ASA Federal Advocacy Committee continues to monitor developments and will reach out when it is time to re-engage the profession.
We wish California a Happy 50th Anniversary celebrating their legalization of acupuncture! As a third of our profession is represented by this state, this decision made all the difference in providing the foundation for our profession to grow, become accepted, and provide access and choice for patients. Thank you to every individual who worked tirelessly to push this through – often against enormous odds. To better understand this important part of our history, please watch the documentary created by AACMA Acupuncture Fever.
Lastly, we encourage everyone to enjoy the rest of the summer season—whether that means taking time to rest, reconnect, or simply savor the joys of the sun. Thank you for your continued commitment to our field and to one another.
Best,
Best,
Olivia
The Latest – What the ASA Committees are doing right now
Insurance Committee – Chair, Mori West
VERY IMPORTANT – IN NETWORK INSURANCE PROVIDERS – READ
We are seeing more and more audits. Carriers are referring to their Provider manuals and are denying patient records that do not have Start and Stop time documented in them, which is not a typical requirement and usually done by rehab providers NOT acupuncturists.
To confirm your documentation meets carrier standards:
- Go to your carrier websites that you are IN network with and look for Acupuncture Documentation requirements. Read anything Acupuncture related.
- If there is none, go to the provider manual and read their requirements for documentation, and see if start and stop times, and total “time patient is in the office” is required.
- Contact the carrier for confirmation, if there is ambiguity or discrepancies in their documents.
We are seeing acupuncturists who have the correct quantity of time for each time-based code getting denied because there is no start and stop time. We have seen carriers deny time, as there was NO total Face-to-Face time. We will be working with the state associations to help disseminate this information to their members but we want to quickly get the word spread about this.
In addition, the Insurance Committee has been working with the VA regarding the recoupments and denials of E/M codes by contractor Triwest. We received confirmation that recoupments have ceased and repayments are in the works.
In addition, we were asked to review Evicore’s Acupuncture Policy, which we have shared with the research committee. Evicore is actively seeking our advice and information, which is ALWAYS a plus for the association.
Our AMA CPT rep, Anna Panettiere, attended the recent May CPT Editorial panel meeting and also presented to the AMA HCPAC committee a presentation about acupuncture and our association.
Finally, we have reached out to the person who put up and then withdrew a CPT application for specialized acupuncture E/M codes.
Federal Advocacy Committee – Chair, Amy Mager
The federal advocacy committee continues to pay attention to federal legislation that has the capacity to impact our profession and the ASA as our professional trade association. We are working within this political climate to affect meaningful change and moving forward with HR 1667, the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025. We will keep you posted regarding actions to be taken.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please reach out to: gro.u1768435392casa@1768435392ycaco1768435392vdA1768435392
To find out about HR 1667, the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025 please go to: https://asacu.org/medicare/
State Advocacy Committee – Chair, Jennifer Broadwell
We are looking for additional members that are wanting to work with us to support state advocacy. You can apply here.
Governance Committee – Chair, David Bock
The Governance Committee is enjoying a calm time with no major ASA concerns to work on. Some state associations have requested help in dealing with their own governance issues. We will be providing help as they need it. The ASA Governance Committee is always available to state association boards that need help or advice in regards to keeping their associations running smoothly. We are short of members, however there is no immediate need and other committees are in greater need. That said, we are looking for a person with strong technical writing skills who works well independently on detailed projects in a minimally structured environment. A relaxed sense of humor is required.
Herbal Medicine Committee- Chair, Linda Robinson-Hidas
ASA Herbal Medicine Committee
Best Practices for Prescribing Herbal Medicine
Herbal Prescribing and Compounding Herbal Medicine is an important aspect of practitioner responsibilities. In addition to your state scope of practice act, there are government agencies that regulate our practice and process for prescribing herbal medicine to our patients.
The ASA reminds all acupuncturists and herbalists that they must obey all federal, state and local rules and regulations.
These times require clarity when working with our patients.. It is important to remember that, generally, Chinese herbal medicine is applied based on sequential diagnoses of symptom/sign complexes that change throughout the course of an illness. This is the foundation of pattern-based care. The FDA regulations prohibit any claims that Herbal Medicine prevents, treats or mitigates disease. While the FTC prohibits the marketing of any of the above claims by Herbal Medicine practitioners.
Please review the Best TCHM Compounding and Dispensing Practices prepared by AHPA 2017.
Medicaid Committee – Chair, Denise Tyson
The Medicaid Committee continues to support all state Medicaid efforts. We welcome updates, questions and requests regarding your respective state activity.
Here is an update from Connecticut:
In recent legislative years, our focus has been to obtain an increase in reimbursements for Acupuncturists who participate in our state Medicaid program (“Husky”). As we have testified, our Husky patients are overwhelmingly appreciative and conscientious about the acupuncture care they receive – especially to manage pain and reduce their reliance on pain medications.
This year, our legislature and Governor approved funds for Husky provider fee increases over the next two years. This was done in response to sustained advocacy by a number of provider groups including our organization. This was an important win in a tough budget environment, especially given the uncertainty about future federal support for state Medicaid budgets.
Our state agency that administers Medicaid coverage now has the responsibility for allocating the fee increase dollars, and we’ll be working closely with our lobbyist to engage these regulators and ensure increases for the Acupuncturists’ fee schedule.
Membership/Benefits Committee – Chair, Grace Ouchida/Mary Beth Jones
ASA Members receive all of the following great benefits! Details available on the Member Benefits Package page.
- 2025 ASA Member Certificate (printable)
- 2025 ASA Member Digital Badge
- Insurance Specialists, Inc. – discounts on all types of insurance (Life, AD&D, Disability Income, Business Overhead Expense, Dental, Cyber Liability, Pet)
- Jane App – 1-month grace period on a new account
- Transformational Herbal Pharmacy – 5% discount
- Golden Needle – 5% discount (some products excluded)
- AAC – discount on malpractice insurance
Nominating Committee: Chair, Alexandra Russell
We are accepting applications for ASA Committee Members
Use this form to apply for a committee position!
We also invite candidates for ASA Board of Directors – Read this to learn about BOD Positions and how to apply
Reach out anytime with questions ~ gro.u1768435392casa@1768435392mocmo1768435392n1768435392
Research Committee – Chair, Lisa Conboy
We are expanding our support by interviewing 4 potential Research Committee members. We continue our support of other committees, and are finishing up a third analysis which is a collaboration with other ASA members.
Strategic Planning Committee – Chair, Candace Sarges
We are about to launch the much anticipated Board and Leadership Training program.
The training program is multilayered but will begin with Zoom webinars for State Board members. The webinars are divided into Modules since there is a lot of information to digest. The 1st Module is scheduled for September 2025 (Date TBA). State Representatives, please ensure that your respective State Board is aware. Sign up information will be forthcoming in August. The webinars will be approximately an hour to an hour and a half long for the presentation, plus time for Q&A afterwards. There will be a follow up time that has yet to be determined. The webinars will be recorded and stored for future reference by member State Boards. There will also be written materials available which will be stored for further reference.
Even if you think you have a handle on certain topics, there is always more to learn. We encourage everyone to participate. Look for further information in August on the Listserv.
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State Association Updates
California CSOMA
Join us August 14 & 15 in downtown Oakland for CSOMA’s 4th annual 2-day event.
4 incredible speakers. 10 CEUs. A one-of-a-kind expo.
Free lunch, hot tea, raffle prizes — and best of all? Community.
At a glance:
📍 Oakland Endowment Center
🎓 10 CAB CEUs (no NCCAOM)
💬 Speakers: Bhatti, Trione, Adcock, Tran-Olive, Nieters, von Elgg
💵 Pricing: $40–$360 | Early Bird thru 7/31
🗓 Single day registration? Yes!
💻 Live Zoom? Nope — in person only!
CSOMA has submitted a formal letter to Governor Newsom—“Support for Preserving Medi-Cal Acupuncture Benefits in the Final State Budget“—on behalf of our members and in partnership with the California Acupuncture Coalition. You can read the full letter on our website here.
CSOMA is conducting a survey of California Acupuncturists regarding TriWest Credentialing to treat veterans and the new External Provider Scheduling (EPS) via the Dept of Veterans Affairs. To take the survey please click here: TriWest/EPS Survey
Hawaii
The HAMA Board of Directors is excited to welcome new Director Erin Heidrich, MAcOM, LAc. Erin resides in Kona on the Big Island and is a part of the Koa Clinic of Integrative Medicine.
Esteemed HAMA member Steven Rosenblatt, M.D., PhD, LAc. was a guest on the Qiological Podcast. Click on the link to listen to the interview and to learn more about Dr. Rosenblatt’s distinguished career.
https://www.qiological.com/history-series-becoming-the-doctor/
History Series, Becoming the Doctor • Steven Rosenblatt
The HAMA 2025 Annual Meeting will be on October 5, 2025 from 10am-12pm via Zoom. Jeffrey Tice, DACM, DAc. will report on insurance coverage for acupuncture. There will be a presentation about AI. Members will learn how this technology can benefit their practices and how to use it legally.
HAMA continues to be a member of HANO – the Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations. HANO offers guidance through classes and events for all professional non-profit organizations to assist them in learning how to adapt in today’s world.
Maine
Maine Acupuncture Society continues to make updates on our website www.mas-me.org as the Executive Board grows and Committee appointments are filled. We also see continued interest in CEU opportunities. Course offerings to members have included HIPAA compliance, Gua Sha strategies, Cloud Hands Qigong, and a soon to be announced Pelvic Health Acupuncture certificate opportunity. We have also been re-invigorating our social media presence and launched an Instagram account in June. People can follow us at @maineacupuncturesociety
Massachusetts
The Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts has testified successfully for our two bills. The first bill will have insurance coverage mandated for pain, PTSD, nausea and opiate addiction. Our second bill focuses on creating best practices and meaningful standards for practicing dry needling in the Commonwealth when a provider is not a licensed acupuncturist or a medical physician. Both of those groups can already practice dry needling according to their practice acts.
For anyone who lives in Massachusetts, or has friends in Massachusetts who would be willing to write letters, these are the letters we are asking folks to sign and send as soon as possible:
H1148 & S834 Insurance Coverage bill and DN BILL 2025 Letter . Thank you for passing this on and thank you for writing if you live in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts continues to work to engage members and build membership. We will be having an Acu Talk on 7/30/25 taught by Weidong Lu, MB, MPH, PhD, Lead Oncology Acupuncturist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the first author and co-principal investigator of the Hot Flash Study. We will be gathering to discuss evidence based treatments for hot flashes. Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts
Michigan
Michigan thoroughly enjoyed hosting Michelle Gellis and her Facial Acupuncture and Microneedling class this past June here in Detroit. We had a group of 36 acupuncturists, plus our esteemed colleague from Tennessee, Alex Russell. We actually had multiple states represented including a major hospital system. Henry Ford Health System attended with their team of acupuncturists to participate in this class. For lunch on Saturday, we shared a delicious meal and held our bi-annual member meeting and voted in a new President for our State Association. It was a wonderful weekend.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Acupuncture Society (NJAS) continues to cultivate Qi in the Garden State. Following changes to our Board of Directors (BOD), our June meeting focused on reorganizing the Executive Board and committees as well as outlining objectives for the upcoming year. Of primary focus is limiting the potential for scope creep by working toward amending the definition of acupuncture as it currently stands in NJ Administrative Code and Regulations. Plans to create initiatives to foster student involvement in the NJ acupuncture community are in the works, with the intention of developing NJ’s acupuncture student body with leadership skills and practical experience beyond what is available in their schooling. We are proud to report that our monthly newsletter, which is sent to all acupuncturists licensed in NJ, has enjoyed phenomenal growth in open rates over the past year, with June’s newsletter reaching an open rate of 60.2%! We will continue to generate and distribute this important source of information while doing our best to keep our audience engaged and looking forward to the next edition. NJAS is looking forward to the coming year with enthusiasm and remains grateful to be involved in the ASA community.
New York
The 2025 New York State legislative session ended without any bills affecting acupuncture being passed. We are proud of our efforts in advocating for the profession, specifically, getting A622 to the floor of the Assembly for debate. This bill, along with S5955, would have mandated insurance coverage for acupuncture. This is the farthest this bill has come since it was first introduced in 2017. We are grateful for the support of Assembly member Ron Kim, and his tireless efforts. We look forward to working with him and other legislators next session where we have a very good chance of having the bill move forward, and eventually become law.
Upcoming ASNY Classes!
Free webinar, Wednesday October 20th with Michelle Gellis, Facial Motor Points, Where Beauty Meets Neurology,https://asny.org/events/#!event/2025/8/20/free-class-facial-motor-points-where-beauty-meets-neurology
2 CEU (pending) class with Sarit Hirschkorn Sunday, August 24th, Intro to AI powered documentation, Work Smarter Not Harder, https://asny.org/events/#!event/2025/8/24/intro-to-ai-powered-clinical-documentation-for-acupuncturistswork-smarter-not-harder
16 CEU In- person Facial Acupuncture Training class with Michelle Gellis, Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th at Pacific College of Health and Science, NYC. Early bird rates are available now! https://asny.org/events/#!event/2025/9/6/facial-acupuncture-certification-course
The cost of this 16 CEU in-person class includes immediate access to Michelle Gellis’ facial gua sha and cupping webinar as well as the microneedling webinar, an additional 14 CEU’s– a $265 value!
Ohio
Greetings from the Ohio Acupuncture Association
David Dagg-Murry—President
Krystal Robinson Justice—Vice President
Keri Ondrus—Secretary
Esly Caldwell—Treasurer
The Ohio Acupuncture Association is excited to start a new executive year and we are grateful to be part of the American Society of Acupuncturists.
- As we begin the year, I’d like to share several key initiatives the Ohio Acupuncture Association Board is currently developing:
- Conducting a statewide needs assessment to better understand and support the priorities of current and prospective members
- Planning a Fall 2025 symposium focused on the business of acupuncture and practice management
- Strategically increasing OAA membership and engagement
- Pursuing legislative reform, including:
- Amending the Ohio Revised Code to allow East Asian Medicine providers to use the title “Doctor” (when appropriately credentialed)
- Revising the glove mandate to reflect evidence-based standards of care
- Expanding the defined scope of practice for licensed practitioners
- Hosting a two-day Summer 2026 training with Dr. Sonjia Tan, focused on advanced clinical education
- Updating the OAA website to better reflect our mission, resources, and community outreach
These initiatives reflect our commitment to strengthening the profession, advocating for necessary policy changes, and supporting your success.
Wishing all of our colleagues a fruitful and restorative Summer.
With gratitude and determination,
David Dagg-Murry
President, Ohio Acupuncture Association
Oregon
Legislative Update: A Difficult Setback, but the Fight Continues
We are deeply disappointed to report that HB 3824, the Physical Therapy scope expansion bill allowing dry needling without adequate training, has passed both chambers of the legislature. Despite our consistent efforts and strong opposition, this bill is now headed to the Governor’s desk.
We have formally requested a veto, but the reality is that it remains unlikely. While this is a devastating outcome for patient safety and professional standards, the Oregon Association of Acupuncturists is not standing down. We are actively preparing to engage in the rule-making process and will advocate for the highest possible standards—though our influence is not guaranteed.
In parallel, we are continuing to strategize around another major threat: the Providence Health System’s potential handoff of its acupuncture benefits to American Specialty Health (ASH). ASH’s track record of narrowing networks and undermining provider autonomy is deeply concerning, and we are working hard to prevent this shift from taking hold in Oregon.
Now more than ever, we need national support and engagement to set a standard for national scope of practice- a term used a lot by PTs which helped pass this bill. We will continue to fight—through advocacy, coalition-building, and every tool at our disposal—to protect the integrity of our medicine and the well-being of the patients we serve.
—The Oregon Association of Acupuncturists
Tennessee
🌸 TAC Prepares for Spring 2026 Conference + Website Training in August
The Tennessee Acupuncture Council is already hard at work planning our Spring 2026 Conference! Stay tuned for more details coming soon—we can’t wait to bring our community together again for continuing education, networking, and professional growth.
In the meantime, we’ll be hosting another website training session in early August to help board members and volunteers feel more confident navigating and updating the TAC site. We’re committed to building stronger internal systems so we can better serve our members and the profession statewide.
Not a member yet? Now’s a great time to join and be part of the work we’re doing to protect and advance acupuncture in Tennessee!
Wisconsin
- WISCA Annual Meeting
Mark your calendars for the WISCA Annual Meeting on October 12th, 2025, in Racine, WI. We are honored to welcome Dr. Sina Smith as our keynote speaker. Dr. Smith will share her expertise on insomnia and gut/brain health from integrative and functional medicine perspectives, along with practical tips for collaborating with conventional healthcare providers. - Education Committee
On June 5th, 2025, the Education Committee hosted a free seminar titled “Acupuncture Specialization and Career Path” for students. The event aimed to equip future practitioners with insights and strategies to build a successful acupuncture career. - Advocacy Committee
An advocacy-focused Zoom meeting will be held on August 20th, 2025, bringing together members to promote the inclusion of acupuncture services under Medicaid and Medicare. Member engagement is the key to amplifying our voice on this important issue. - Call for Board Members
WISCA is currently seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board. We have open positions for Secretary and Members-at-Large. If you’re interested in shaping the future of acupuncture in Wisconsin and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to get involved. Contact us at: moc.l1768435392iamg@1768435392emoha1768435392csiw1768435392
Virginia
ASVA has a full Board of Directors (total 6) but is seeking L.Acs in Virginia to support the Board. If you are interested in shaping the future of acupuncture in Virginia and making a meaningful impact, please send an email to moc.l1768435392iamg@1768435392avosu1768435392ca1768435392.
ASVA thanks each and every one of you who shared your comments regarding Regulations Governing the Licensure of Athletic Trainers [18 VAC 85 ‑ 120] in April-May 2025. ASVA is excited to share “the public comment period received a total of 764 comments, with 500 in favor, 250 opposed, and about 15 not describing a position. The Virginia Department of Health Professional staff advised that the athletic trainer scope of practice does not allow for dry needling, and this change must be made through legislation as opposed to the regulatory process. The Advisory Board was in favor of dry needling philosophically and wanted to vote “yes” to recommend the petition to the Board of Medicine. The Advisory understood the limitation of the rulemaking process and supported VATA in seeking a patron to add dry needling to the Athletic Trainer scope of practice.” (ADVISORY BOARD ON ACUPUNCTURE)
ASVA will be working hard this fall legislative session to make sure policy makers understand the similarities and differences, emphasizing–Dry Needling is a form of Acupuncture, and highlighting the educational differences.
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