Bill description: HB 313 clarifies endorsement licensure requirements for acupuncturists and allows the board licensing acupuncturists to suspend, revoke, or refuse licenses in a greater number of circumstances.

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Does it increase barriers to entry into the market? Examples include occupational licensure, the minimum wage, and restrictions on home businesses. Conversely, does it remove barriers to entry into the market? 

This bill repeals the current section of the acupuncturist statute titled “Waiver of Requirements,” which allows the Idaho State Board of Acupuncture to grant licenses to applicants licensed in other states. It replaces this section with a new section titled “Endorsement Licensure,” which essentially grants the board the same authority. Licensure through endorsement grants a license to people who are either “licensed or registered under the laws of another state.” By contrast, the current section of code applies only to acupuncturists licensed in another state. 

This change clarifies that acupuncturists from states or territories that register the occupation, instead of licensing it, also qualify for reciprocity consideration from the board. 

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However, this bill increases the number of circumstances for which the board can suspend, revoke, or refuse a license to an applicant. If this bill passes, then the board will be able to refuse a license to anyone who has had a license revoked or suspended in another state, or “had a license or certification in a related field revoked or suspended” in Idaho.

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