The Mississippi Oriental Medicine Association reports that HB 458 unanimously passed in the Mississippi Senate today and is on its way to Gov. Haley Barbour for his signature.

"I would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you who helped to make this happen," said Jerusha DeGroote Stephens, president of the MOMA in an e-mail. "This never would have happened without the support from all of you taking the time to email and/or calling your respective legislators. I know that this bill is not 100% of what we want, but in the spirit of compromise, we prevailed. This law will allow our profession to establish itself in Mississippi."

The bill will allow accredited acupuncture practitioners to practice their trade in Mississippi, although the bill requires that patients receive a referral from a physician. The bill also establishes a fee-supported state board of oriental medicine to administer state licenses and establish criteria for license applicants, among other details.

Previous Comments

ID

144556

Comment

This is a great step. Fortunately, I go to a doctor who believes in acupuncture!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-03-10T17:33:07-06:00

ID

144560

Comment

I view acupuncture as something that I want to try and also gives me the creeps at the same time. I get the feeling that it isn't cheap either. If insurance will cover it, maybe I'll try it someday.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-03-11T07:37:01-06:00

ID

144561

Comment

As a dedicated foe of needles, I'm sad this passed. :)

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-03-11T07:54:59-06:00

ID

144639

Comment

Acupuncture is painless, y'all. I did a treatment to write about it. See The Yin and Yang of Health for an interview with Jerusha, and Does It Hurt? for more info.

Author

Ronni_Mott

Date

2009-03-12T11:58:35-06:00

ID

144642

Comment

It involves needles. That's an automatic failure right there.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-03-12T12:30:42-06:00

ID

144645

Comment

Get 25+ bone marrow biopsies and you will learn to hate needles as much as I do. :)

Author

BubbaT

Date

2009-03-12T12:55:01-06:00

ID

144646

Comment

Yowza, BubbaT. I feel your pain. I never met a med-tech who could draw blood without hurting me and leaving massive bruises. Just thinking about a biopsy makes my stomach queazy. Just for the record, though, acupuncture is *nothing* like that.

Author

Ronni_Mott

Date

2009-03-12T13:51:14-06:00

ID

144649

Comment

If my new insurance policy covers it, I may consider it. The way my knee has been aching lately, I'll try anything.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2009-03-12T15:22:37-06:00

ID

144654

Comment

So, where can you go for acupuncture now- and is it expensive?

Author

Rico

Date

2009-03-12T17:06:31-06:00

ID

144665

Comment

Rico, this site says: Initial visit average $75-$95; Follow-ups average $50-$70

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2009-03-12T21:07:14-06:00

ID

144667

Comment

As a life long cry baby when it comes to needles (I have a HUGE phobia) I am glad this passed. I actually think there is something to Acupuncture, and I was a HUGE skeptic. My take.... My God-Mother had an dog with sever Arthritis. This was her child and medicine wasn't helping, so she found a doggie Acupuncturist in Jackson. The dog would have sessions every 3 weeks. I saw the dog after each session during the between times and at the times about when she needed another session. The results were remarkable. After a session, the dog (13 years old and arthritic) had no limp and wanted to play, as the 3 weeks started to wind down, she became slower and a limp developed again more and more. They eventually settled on a 2 week schedule, but the difference was still amazing. Remember this is a dog... NO placebo affect. Convinced me, a HUGE needle phobe and skeptic, to think there is something to it, and to consider it for care for pain. AGamma627 AGamma627

Author

AGamm627

Date

2009-03-12T21:32:47-06:00

ID

144670

Comment

I don't know how insurance companies are doing now but as of 2 or 3 years ago they weren't covering most acupuncture being given. I did have a few patients that got benefit from it and a few that didn't.

Author

GLewis

Date

2009-03-13T07:15:43-06:00

ID

144681

Comment

And don't forget: if you have a Flexible Spending Account, acupuncture is an eligible expense!

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2009-03-13T11:18:21-06:00

ID

145004

Comment

Thanks, Ronnie for posting this! I am so glad there have been so many posts on this topic. Acupuncture is very affordable, even for those whose insurance does not cover it. Currently, about one/third of insurances cover acupuncture (Humana, Aetna, etc). Ask your provider! The estimate of cost given above is accurate, around $75 - $100 for an initial treatment, less for follow-ups. Acupuncture should NOT painful. Most people come to see me to get out of pain, not get put into pain by the practitioner! This legislation does not go into effect until July 1, 2009, and will require referral from an MD. After that, the Rules and Regulations must be established and then licenses will be granted. I hope I will be practicing this Fall, in a location to-be-announced. Thank you JFP!

Author

jdegroote

Date

2009-03-23T13:20:58-06:00

ID

145005

Comment

Jerusha: I noticed that the bill is still on the guv's desk for his signature. Let us know when he signs it.

Author

Ronni_Mott

Date

2009-03-23T13:56:16-06:00

ID

145188

Comment

Good news on this bill: The guv has signed off on it. Congratulations to Jerusha and all the folks who have been working long and hard to get this bill enacted. Read the bill here.

Author

Ronni_Mott

Date

2009-03-27T09:28:04-06:00