Save South Dakota Acupuncture!

Without proper regulatory oversight, SD becomes a safe haven for untrained and unqualified practitioners. Patients deserve the right to know that their practitioners have proper training, education, professional ethics, board certification, and ongoing training that ensures that they receive the highest quality care. Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective and affordable treatment option for chronic pain, opioid use/abuse, PTSD/depression/anxiety, and acute pain conditions. The practice of acupuncture is currently being utilized within the Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, large medical centers, and, most recently, has been adopted into Medicare coverage for the treatment of chronic low back pain. In South Dakota, the VA Healthcare System has already contracted with several private acupuncture practices around the state for many years to provide quality, non-pharmacological treatment to thousands of veterans in need. In states that have recently adopted acupuncture practice acts, the state has seen a nearly immediate increase in the number of professional acupuncturists moving to the state and contributing to commerce, as well as expanding access to treatment for the residents. Acupuncture regulation is good for state economic growth and development, as well as direct patient care. Please tell SD legislators that it is time to save South Dakota acupuncture!