Indiana Acupuncture Board
402 W. Washington StreetRoom W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317.234.2060
Acupuncture licensing in Indiana is regulated by the Medical Licensing Board of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Those who meet all of the requirements and successfully complete the application process are given the title licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) and are free to perform all duties of an L.Ac. as set forth in Indiana legislative code. Anyone holding a valid acupuncture license issued by another state may receive a license to practice in Indiana through an expedited process as long as the Indiana requirements were met in the issuing state and the license exam is substantially similar to the Indiana exam.
Education Requirements
Prior to receiving an acupuncture license in Indiana, applicants are required to successfully complete a three-year acupuncture training program or a college acupuncture program resulting in a degree or certification. All programs must be accredited by or meet the standards for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). In addition, all applicants must pass a course on clean needle technique approved by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). A list of approved courses and programs is available and updated by the board every two years.
Documentation Requirements
After an approved educational program has been successfully completed, individuals are required to submit an application and several forms of supporting documentation. In addition, each applicant must be fingerprinted and undergo a national background check conducted by the Indiana State Police. Background checks conducted by any other agency or company will not be accepted for licensing.
Applications must be typed or legibly printed in ink and must include an original signature and the date. Unless otherwise noted, all supporting documents must be originals, and if in another language, they must be accompanied by notarized translations. Supporting documentation and materials required to be submitted with the application are as follows:
- One passport-quality photo taken within the past three months
- A non-refundable fee of $150
- Verification forms for acupuncture licenses held in other states completed and submitted by the issuing state agencies
- Official transcripts of successfully completed acupuncture training programs delivered by the educational institutions conducting the programs
- Certification as a diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
- Notarized proof of the completion of an approved course in clean needle technique
- Proof of a legal name change for documents issued in a name differing from the applicant’s current legal name
Renewal Requirements
Acupuncture licenses issued in Indiana are valid for two years and expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. Licenses may be renewed by submitting a renewal application and a renewal fee of $100 before this date. Expired licenses are eligible for renewal for a period of three years after expiration. After this date, the former L.Ac. must apply for and meet all of the requirements for a new license.
