Pacific College of Oriental Medicine News & Events

When the Ten Thousand Things are seen in their Oneness, We return to the Origin where we have always been. - Sengtan

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Oriental Medicine Newspaper

NEWS RELEASE

August 27, 2004

For More Information Contact: Lauri Howell, Phone: (800) 729-0941

SB 2254 SIGNED BY ILLINOIS GOVERNOR: Illinois Acupuncturists Become Independent Practitioners.

Senate Bill 2254, the initiative allowing licensed acupuncturists to practice independently, without a prior referral from a doctor, is now officially a law in the state of Illinois , and will take effect immediately. This bill amends the Acupuncture Practice Act, removing the requirement that a person practicing acupuncture have a written referral order from a physician or dentist on file.

According to Jack Miller, licensed acupuncturist and President of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, "The passage of SB 2254 is another great step forward for acupuncturists. It indicates the growing credibility and excellent safety record of our medicine in the Midwest ."

Supporters of this bill have worked alongside lobbyists Steve Morrill and Evan Williams, focusing exclusively on this issue for the last two and a half years. Collaborating with both Senator John Cullerton and House Representative Angelo Saviano, SB 2254 received the full support of the Illinois State Medical Society.

With no major opponents, this important piece of legislation passed through committees in both the House and Senate unanimously. The final Senate vote was 55-0 in favor of the legislation.

Ninety days ago the bill was sent to the Governor for his signature after passing through the Illinois General Assembly.

"Pacific's students and I are very grateful to the legislature and governor for recognizing that acupuncturists' training qualifies them to be independent health care providers," said Miller. "Passing this legislation was a concerted effort by people in the area who are committed to seeing the benefits of Oriental medicine spread in the Midwest ."

For more information on Senate Bill 2254 please contact Pacific College at (800) 729-0941.

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