Licensing in
Tennessee
Start with the Tennessee Committee for Acupuncture, which assists the Board of Medical Examiners. Licensure needs NCCAOM diplomate status, a three-year post-secondary program and a clean needle course, and the fee rule effective June 2, 2025 lists a $150 application and $200 initial certification fee. Renewal is every two years with 30 professional development points. The chapter 0880-12 rules were read (the posted compilation is a May 2007 revision); the statute text was not.
At a glance
Start with the responsible authority.
- Regulatory authoritySource checked
- Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners' Committee for AcupunctureApplication instructions PH-3771 (Rev. 06/25) ↗
Last checked October 10, 2026
01
Know which credential fits
License types
Acupuncturist
Independent acupuncture practice
- Routes to licensureSource checked
- The packet lists licensure by diplomatic status (NCCAOM), by reciprocity from a state with substantially equivalent requirements, and a grandfather provision for people practicing in Tennessee since January 1, 2001.Application instructions ↗
- Statute and rulesNeeds review
- Rule 0880-12-.02 says scope of practice is governed by T.C.A. §63-6-1001(7). The Committee's page points to LexisNexis for the Code, which was not opened; the definitions here come from a 2005 Attorney General opinion that quotes them. The Secretary of State's posted chapter 0880-12 is a May 2007 revision, and later amendments such as the 2025 fee rule are posted separately, so confirm each rule is current.Chapter 0880-12 (May 2007 revision) ↗Know this? Share an official source
02
What to confirm
Getting your first license
- RequirementsSource checked
- Notarized application and photo, two recommendation letters from medical professionals, current NCCAOM diplomate status, proof of a three-year post-secondary acupuncture program, an NCCAOM-approved clean needle course, a criminal background check and a declaration of citizenship.Application instructions ↗
- FeesSource checked
- Rule 0880-12-.06, effective June 2, 2025, sets an acupuncturist application fee of $150, an initial certification fee of $200 and a $10 biennial state regulatory fee. This replaces the $760 total shown on the older application packet, so confirm the current packet with the Committee.Rule 0880-12-.06 (amended 2025) ↗
- ReciprocitySource checked
- Proof of licensure in a state whose requirements the Committee finds substantially equivalent; the NCCAOM diplomate item is waived.Application instructions ↗
- ProcessingNeeds review
- The packet allows 14 working days for mailed documents and 60 days to cure deficiencies. The Department also offers an online application; this was not checked.Application instructions ↗Know this? Share an official source
03
What to confirm
Herbal medicine
- Herbal medicine authorityNeeds review
- As quoted in a 2005 Attorney General opinion, T.C.A. §63-6-1001(7) defines the practice of acupuncture as needle insertion and moxibustion, with adjunctive therapies that may include acupressure, cupping, thermal and electrical treatment, and "the recommendation of dietary guidelines and supplements and therapeutic exercise." Herbs are not named. Chapter 0880-12 has no herb provision. The current statute text was not checked and may have been amended since 2005.Attorney General Opinion 05-020 ↗Know this? Share an official source
- Retail, compounding, and dispensingWe haven’t confirmed this from an official source yet. If you know the statute, rule or board page that answers it, share it and we’ll check it.
- Chapter 0880-12 has no dispensing or retail rule. Any limit would sit in the statute or in pharmacy law, neither of which was read.Know this? Share an official source
04
What to confirm
Keeping the license active
- Continuing educationSource checked
- 30 professional development (PDA) points for the two calendar years before the renewal year; shortfalls carry civil penalties from $50 to $250 and a make-up period.Committee CE policy (Sept. 2023) ↗
- Renewal fee and late feesSource checked
- The biennial renewal fee is $200, due every two years when certification renewal is due, plus the $10 biennial state regulatory fee. A late renewal costs $100; reinstatement or restoration costs $100; a duplicate certificate costs $25.Rule 0880-12-.06 (amended 2025) ↗
05
What to confirm
Rules after you open
- AdvertisingSource checked
- Rule 0880-12-.20 bars advertising that is false or misleading, including unsubstantiated claims of superiority, unverifiable testimonials, and statistics that create unjustified expectations. Fees advertised must be honored for the stated period, or 30 days if none is stated. A copy of every advertisement must be kept for two years and the certificate holder must hold information that substantiates its claims.Chapter 0880-12 (May 2007 revision) ↗
- Professional ethicsSource checked
- Rule 0880-12-.13 requires certificate holders to follow the NCCAOM Code of Ethics, except where it conflicts with Tennessee law or Committee rules; violations can lead to discipline under rule .15.Chapter 0880-12 (May 2007 revision) ↗
- Patient records and telehealthWe haven’t confirmed this from an official source yet. If you know the statute, rule or board page that answers it, share it and we’ll check it.
- Chapter 0880-12 has no patient-record retention or telehealth rule. Rule .19 covers the Committee's own records. Requirements may sit in the Board of Medical Examiners' general rules or statute, which were not read.Know this? Share an official source
06
Go to the source
Official resources
- Application instructionsSource checked
- Application instructions for licensure as an acupuncturist (PH-3771)Open ↗
- Continuing educationSource checked
- Committee continuing education policyOpen ↗
- RulesSource checked
- Chapter 0880-12, General Rules and Regulations Governing the Practice of Acupuncturists (May 2007 revision)Open ↗
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