(a) To practice acupuncture as a physician, dentist or specialist assistant-acupuncture in New York State, a person shall possess one of the following credentials:

1. (1) a license to practice medicine or dentistry and a certificate to practice acupuncture issued pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section; or

2. (2) a registration as a specialist assistant-acupuncture, pursuant to Education Law, section 6541 and the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

   (b) Qualifications for practice.

3. (1) For a certificate to practice acupuncture, the applicant shall:

   1. (i) possess a license to practice medicine or dentistry;

   2. (ii) have completed at least 200 hours of instruction in programs in acupuncture registered by the department, or in programs determined by the department to be the equivalent of registered programs, and at least 100 hours of supervised experience acceptable to the department. Instruction shall consist of:

      1. (a) at least 100 hours of instruction and clinical demonstrations in general and basic aspects of acupuncture;
      2. (b) at least 100 hours of sequential specialized instruction in specific uses and techniques of acupuncture. Topics of instruction shall include indications and contraindications for acupuncture administration, techniques for locating acupuncture points, needling and stimulating techniques, and trainee participation in administration of acupuncture in clinical demonstrations; and
      3. (c) at least 100 hours of supervised experience acceptable to the department and under the supervision of a currently registered physician or dentist certified in acupuncture; and
   3. (iii) pay the fees specified in section 59.9(e) of this Title.

4. (2) For registration as a specialist assistant-acupuncture, the applicant shall:

   1. (i) satisfy the education and training requirements set forth in subparagraph (1)(ii) of this subdivision;
   2. (ii) have graduated from a school of medicine or a school of traditional oriental medicine, herb medicine or acupuncture acceptable to the department;
   3. (iii) have at least five years of experience in the use of acupuncture;
   4. (iv) pay the fees specified in section 6541 of the Education Law.
5. (3) Examination requirement. The department, in its discretion, may require the passing of an examination in acupuncture as an additional qualification of any applicant for certification or registration who is unable to submit satisfactory evidence of the education and training requirements set forth in subparagraph (1)(ii) of this subdivision, but who meets all other requirements for an authorization to practice acupuncture.