(1) Definition – Acupuncture is a modality of diagnosing and treating disease, pain or physical conditions by stimulating various points on or within the body or interruption of the cutaneous integrity by needle insertion to secure a reflex relief of the symptoms by nerve stimulation.
Acupuncture is recognized as a modality of treatment which is an adjunct to chiropractic, presently taught as part of the curriculum in approved chiropractic colleges. The proper administration of acupuncture requires a thorough knowledge of physiology, anatomy, therapeutics and diagnostic acumen.

Terms Used In Florida Regulations 64B2-17.003

  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
    (2) Limitations – Chiropractors are expressly prohibited from using the modality of acupuncture in treating any of the following diseases or conditions: Cancer, Leukemia, Tuberculosis, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis, Anthrax, Diphtheria, Hansen’s Disease, Hookworm Disease, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid Fever, Typhus Fever, and AIDS.
    (3) Authorized Procedure —
    (a) Where non-disposable needles are used for acupuncture said needles shall be sterilized, only by generally accepted procedures for sterilization of needles.
    (b) Needles shall be individually packaged for each patient.
    (c) The individually packaged needles shall be either destroyed following patient dismissal or put in a permanent file for the future use of the described patient, when non-disposable needles are used.
    (d) Only non-corrosive needles shall be authorized and used.
    (e) Generally acceptable cleansing agents shall be used for cleansing the needle insertion area.
    (4) Prior to any licensed chiropractic physician engaging in acupuncture, such physician, shall complete a minimal educational background of 100 hours of study in the practice of acupuncture with the courses or seminars being approved by this Board.
    (5) Prior to any chiropractic physician engaging in the practice of acupuncture, said physician shall be required to present certification to the Board of examination by an approved college or institution of said physician, after completion of said approved minimum course of study.
Rulemaking Authority 460.405 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 460.403. History-New 1-10-80, Formerly 21D-17.03, Amended 1-28-90, Formerly 21D-17.003, 61F2-17.003, 59N-17.003, Amended 6-7-00.