South Carolina Acupuncture Board
P.O. Box 11289Columbia, SC 29211
Phone: 803.896.4500
South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
Acupuncture licensing in South Carolina falls under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Under this department, license requirements are reviewed by the Board of Medical Examiners and the Acupuncture Advisory Committee.
About the Board of Medical Examiners
The Board of Medical Examiners reviews and verifies all applications for acupuncture licensing in South Carolina, and it is supported by the Acupuncture Advisory Committee. Questions regarding acupuncture licensing in South Carolina may be directed to the board by mail, email, fax or telephone. However, applications must be submitted by mail.
Eligibility Requirements
According to Article 6, Section 40-47-720 of South Carolina state code, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to receive a license to practice in the state:
- A completed and notarized application must be submitted to the board.
- An initial licensing fee of $111 must be submitted with the application.
- A copy of the applicant’s diploma from an approved acupuncture program must be submitted.
- One passport-sized photo must be attached to the last page of the application.
- The applicant must be certified and hold active diplomate status with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
- The applicant must be of good moral character
- The applicant may not have been convicted of or have pled nolo contendere to any felony or “crime of moral turpitude.”
If the qualifications are met and the application accepted, the applicant will receive a license to practice acupuncture and use the title licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) for a period of two years. After this period, licensed acupuncturists in good standing may renew their licenses for two more years by submitting a renewal application and a renewal fee in the amount of $150.
Application Information and Documentation
The application packet that is to be submitted to the Board of Medical Examiners includes a five-page application, a two-page affidavit of eligibility, and a verification of licensure form. All forms are to be completed in their entirety except the verification of licensure form. Only the top portion of this form is completed by the applicant. After the top portion is completed, it must be sent to all state boards where the applicant has ever held a professional certificate or license. The state boards will then return the completed forms directly to the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.
Applications are processed within three weeks of the date they are received by the board. However, if they are incomplete or if eligibility requirements are not met, applications will be held for 12 months. After this time, a new application and application fee must be submitted.
Issuing of Licenses
Before an acupuncture license is issued, the applicant must meet with a member of the Acupuncture Advisory Committee for an interview. Upon completion of the interview, the applicant may be issued a temporary license. A permanent license will be issued or denied at the next full meeting of the board
