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1999 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 493
Directing the Joint Commission on Health Care to examine the availability of and direct access to acupuncture professionals in the Commonwealth.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 4, 1999
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 15, 1999

WHEREAS, acupuncture is an ancient method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning; and

WHEREAS, acupuncture is based on a system of energy in the body known as “chi” that needs balancing for optimal well being, otherwise known as the “yin” and “yang”; and

WHEREAS, the theory of acupuncture holds that the energy in the body travels through meridians that can become blocked and can be stimulated by inserting acupuncture needles into specific points on the body to increase, regulate and balance the flow of energy in the body; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization cites over one hundred different conditions treatable with acupuncture; and

WHEREAS, traditional oriental medicine is rapidly growing in acceptance in the West because its strongest feature is probably its ability to treat chronic conditions for which conventional medicine has no answers, no treatment, and no relief other than harsh chemicals with potentially unpleasant side effects; and

WHEREAS, most sources on acupuncture stipulate that it is not a replacement for modern medicine but for chronic conditions can provide, in many cases, relief not available in traditional Western medicine; and

WHEREAS, Virginia law has recognized the practice of acupuncture since 1991 when it legislated licensure for those who practice, required continuing education, and established an Advisory Committee on Acupuncture to be appointed by the Board of Medicine; and

WHEREAS, acupuncture is also recognized in the State as a viable treatment for substance abuse; and

WHEREAS, there has been no study to examine the use and availability of acupuncture by citizens of the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Joint Commission on Health Care study the availability of and direct access to acupuncturists by the citizens of the Commonwealth. The study shall also, among other things, examine the certification or licensure of doctors of oriental medicine who have graduated from accredited or certified schools, and other issues which may affect accessibility.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Joint Commission on Health Care for this study, upon request.

The Joint Commission on Health Care shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2000 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.