CSOMA Supports Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2023
On May 9, Reps. Chu, Fitzpatrick Introduce Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2023.
This bill would increase Medicare beneficiaries’ access to acupuncturists, provide more non-pharmacological options for pain relief, and promote the profession’s growth.
“Our seniors deserve affordable access to non-pharmacological pain relief provided by acupuncturists and billed through Medicare,” said Sarah Hart, L.Ac., California State Oriental Medicine Association (CSOMA) President. “CSOMA fully supports expanding access to acupuncture within the healthcare delivery system and thanks Reps. Judy Chu and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act.”
CMS already recognizes the value of acupuncture and began covering services in January 2020. Unfortunately, because acupuncturists do not have Medicare-provider status, they cannot provide these covered services to beneficiaries without supervision. The status quo disrupts the acupuncture service-delivery model, as they cannot independently provide services to Medicare beneficiaries, despite their ability to do so for non-Medicare beneficiaries. The resulting access barrier hurts Senior Citizens and exacerbates healthcare inefficiencies. (Excerpt from the ASA/NCCAOM press release.)
Read the full press release from Congresswoman Judy Chu here.
Read the ASA/NCCAOM press release here.
CSOMA Opposes AB765
Updated 4/4/23:
CSOMA legislation news on AB 765
To our members who are awaiting a response regarding AB 765 and next steps. CSOMA is working diligently with allied health care professionals, and acupuncture state associations in California for clarification and updates on the AB 765 bill as written.
Currently the bill has been opposed as written by numerous professional associations, as there is uncertainty if the bill as written would strip the Dr. title from other professionals such as Doctor of Acupuncture, Doctor of Dentistry, Doctor of Chiropractic etc.
Here is what we know:
1. Opposition for AB 765 as written letter was sent on behalf of CSOMA members to Business and Professions Committee. (see below)
2. AB 765_fact sheet from Representative Wood’s office
3. Discussion amongst CA Stakeholders on call to action campaign, next steps ongoing
4. News from Legislator Wood’s office that “The bill makes no changes to other practice acts and other licensed practitioners’ ability to use the title Dr as long as it is done consistent with existing requirements. Meaning if I am an optometrist I can use the title Dr so long as it is clear I am an O.D., i.e. Dr. Snow, OD. The committee consultant is proposing language that makes it perfectly clear that nothing in section (a) changes existing law for other practitioners.” (From email of Liz Snow, Chief of Staff)
5. April 11th is a hearing for this bill with public comment.
6. Members: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more, and to find out how you can support our grass roots efforts. Become a member to help CSOMA support you on these major issues affecting the profession in CA.
Original post:
The following opposition statement was submitted via Business and Professions Committee online portal on March 27, 2023:
Dear Business and Professions Committee,
CSOMA Opposes AB765.
CSOMA is a professional association representing acupuncturists including acupuncturists with doctorate degrees from accredited doctorate programs. CSOMA supports protecting the public from false advertising and misrepresentation of medical professional’s qualifications. However, AB765 as written does not make it clear that acupuncturists can continue to use the title “Dr.” followed by the type of acupuncture doctorate degree. Acupuncturists with doctoral degrees are authorized to use the title “Dr.” alongside their license or degree title in the following statutes:
Article 2. Certification Requirements (Article 2 added by Stats. 1980 ch. 1313, § 11.5)
§ 4936. Use of “Doctor” or “Dr.”
(a) It is unprofessional conduct for an acupuncturist to use the title “Doctor” or the abbreviation “Dr.” in connection with the practice of acupuncture unless he or she possesses a license that authorizes the use or possesses an earned doctorate degree from an accredited, approved, or authorized educational institution as set forth under Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 94800) of Part 59 of Division 10 of Title 3 of the Education Code, which is in acupuncture, oriental medicine, a biological science, or is otherwise related to the authorized practice of an acupuncturist as set forth in Sections 4927 and 4937.
(b) The use of the title “Doctor” or the abbreviation “Dr.” by an acupuncturist as authorized in subdivision (a) without further indicating the type of license or degree which authorizes that use shall constitute unprofessional conduct.
(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 326, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2013.)
Please amend AB765 to clarify that other professions, as authorized in state statutes, may continue to use the title “Dr.” followed by their license or degree type.
Meet Jennifer Knapp from TCMZone
Jennifer Knapp is TCMzone’s Director of Sales and Marketing, and she has a wealth of information to share – including some tips for new practitioners.
Tell us about yourself and your role at TCMzone.
My background is in business, with a B.S.B.A and emphasis in International Marketing. I began working for Dr. Dan Wen, President of TCMzone over 18 years ago and have never looked back. I do focus much of my time and energy on sales and marketing, including our continuing education programs, but I also handle much of the logistics and day to day operations at TCMzone.
What do practitioners love most about TCMZone?
Well, first, I’d like to say what TCMzone loves most about our practitioner customers.
Our loyal following has shown us so much support over the years, some of our customers have been with us since the beginning. Our customers provide us with the drive to continue to go the extra mile, to grow and provide the best in Chinese medicine and education to this field.
We have an exceptional team, including our in-house acupuncturist, Alex Qiu who is available to discuss our herbs in detail and answer any questions about our herbs. We also have a committed customer service staff speaking both English and Mandarin, always ready to help.
It is so important to advance this medicine in the U.S. and globally and show just what Chinese Medicine brings to the table. It’s not just about us succeeding as a business, we are a part of a bigger picture of advancing Chinese Medicine as a whole field. I hope that practitioners feel that when they use our herbs, take part in our educational trainings and work with TCMzone as their trusted herbal supplier.
Practitioners have a lot of herbal products to choose from. What makes TCMZone’s stand out?
I mentioned our core is revolutionary herbal products. Well, what does that mean exactly?
To us, being a revolutionary or pioneer in this field of Chinese Medicine has always been what TCMzone is about. We started our company with the first ever Japanese Kampo line of granule formulas in what has become our signature individual dose packet form. This line personifies what we continue to always strive for:
- Highest quality – not only in herbal ingredients, but also testing, manufacturing, packaging and service;
- Innovation – from our dosage forms including liquid softgels, individual packet granules to our formulas including exclusive custom formulas made exclusively for TCMzone right alongside our classics; and
- Education – we believe knowledge is key when working with and recommending herbs, which is why each of our staff is well trained in our products and services, and for over a decade we’ve been offering continuing education to licensed healthcare practitioners as an NCCAOM, CA & FL state CEU provider.
What would you say are your best sellers?
We offer such a wide variety of herbal products with the goal of meeting every practitioner’s needs, that I think it would be best to go through some of our more popular products based upon brand.
TCMzone is our largest line of classic formulas and single herb granules selling many of the more commonly used formulas in the U.S., including T24-Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, T41-Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, T65-Gui Pi Tang and single herb granules such as, Huang Qi, Fu Ling, Ban Xia (in our granule packets and 100g).
In our original Honso brand of Japanese granule packets our top sellers are H09-Xiao Chai Hu Tang, H48-Shi Quan Da Bu Tang and our incredibly popular Mulberry Matcha tea for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Our TCM Softgel line sells very well, not only for the available formulas, but also for the dosage form. In the U.S. it can be challenging to get good patient compliance with herbs, however with the liquid softgels there is no herbal odor or taste and the small, smooth gel caps are easy for patients to swallow. The top formulas in this line are K002-Yin Qiao, K006-Shuang Huang Lian and our new K009-Reduning formula for respiratory support.
Finally, our TCMCeuticals line has become a top selling brand due to the custom formulations available, including our Fertility Phase 1,2,3 protocol which has shown to be our top selling products, the Esophageal Balance for acid reflux and MindKalm for stress are also at the top of this line.
Are there any new products practitioners should know about?
I’m so glad you asked this. We are seeing so many new and exciting things happening in 2022.
We recently brought on our custom advanced immune support formula, our K007-Yu Ping Feng San Plus which has actually become our top selling herbal formula over the last two years. It is based on classic Yu Ping Feng San but with the added herbs Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera flower), Pei Lan (Eupatorium), Guan Zhong (Dryopteris Root) and Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) to assist in clearing toxins and expel heat and dampness. It has played a big role in assisting with supporting immune function (Wei Qi and Zheng Qi).
Our new softgel formula K009, Reduning has also been an integral formula combination to support respiratory health and clear toxins, with Qing Hao (Artemisia) being the chief herb to help with inflammation.
We are adding to our TCMzone line, bringing on 80 new formulas and single herbs in the first half of this year, which will bring this line to over 150 formulas and over 300 single herbs.
Finally, the launch of our new automated loose granule dispensary system will make it easier than ever to have custom formulas made for our practitioners in a clean, sealed, exact method for dosing. We’re very excited to have this new service to provide for practitioners.
What advice would you give new practitioners who are starting to build their herbal pharmacy?
What I have learned from talking with new and experienced practitioners over the years is the importance of committing to your practice. Many new graduates understandably find it overwhelming to start up their practice and offer a full herbal pharmacy in addition to their acupuncture treatments.
The three main hurdles that have been brought to my attention are cost, space and time. So, at TCMzone we have made it our goal to meet these challenges with our customers and help to overcome them.
Firstly, we offer starter kits for new practitioners to get them started in setting up their pharmacy and thereafter we have our TCMzone Membership Program. This program allows you to build up your discount with every herb order you place with us. As you accrue more orders, you advance to a different level of membership (Bronze, Silver, Gold). You then get to keep that discount on every order you place directly with us. It’s our way of not only helping you start your TCMzone pharmacy but being able to maintain your herbal pharmacy.
Now, if space is a factor for you, we also offer our brand new customized, automated dispensary system. You send us your prescription of raw herbs, # of day and patient details and we mix, seal, package and ship the custom granule formula direct to your patient arriving within 1-2 business days. We also offer drop-ship services for all of our patent formulas.
Are there other resources you provide that students or practitioners should know about?
In addition to our professional herbs, starter kits and member benefits, we offer a full continuing education program that has been going strong for over 10 years. This has grown into a large portion of our business here at TCMzone. We’ve grown this program so successfully that to date, we’ve reached over 5,000 licensed healthcare practitioners all around the world and brought hundreds of renowned instructors to teach our courses.
We offer monthly live PDA/CEU webinars, distance learning courses, our new Advanced Wisdom Series and complimentary recordings.
At TCMzone, we realize how important it is to work with students and educational institutions to educate on Chinese herbal medicine. So, we offer students additional discounts off our wholesale prices and we also have our line of herbs available at some of the top institutions in the U.S., including Pacific College of Health Sciences, Midwest College, Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture, Southern California University of Health Sciences, New England School Of Acupuncture at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and more.
We’ve provided both practitioner and student clinical training trips to China over the course of the last 10 years through our established relationship with Shanghai University of TCM and affiliated hospital. We plan on offering these trips again soon.
Any news, events or specials you’d like to mention coming up in 2022?
As I mentioned above, we are bringing on 80 new single herbs and formulas in April 2022, so watch for these to come.
Our January-June 2022 webinar package is already underway, with new webinars being offered every month, https://tcmzone.com/education/.
Our first Advanced Webinar Series begins April 23rd on Fundamental Kidney Theory with Professor Xiangru Xiao. We’re also bringing back renowned Professor Huang Huang for a second Wisdom Series on Jing Fang Classics beginning June 11, https://tcmzone.com/wisdom-series/.
Our new TCMzone Membership Program is already underway. Readers can contact us directly to find out more about this program and how they can begin benefiting from the program and take discounts off every order they place directly with TCMzone.
Our new customized granule dispensary system is now here and practitioners can begin utilizing this service for all of their custom formula needs.
Our new website launched end of March 2022, with all new services (including our packet dispensary and new custom, loose granule dispensary pages), more resources and information and a whole new look, making it a much more easy site to navigate and an overall more user-friendly experience.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would just like to take the opportunity to thank you for inviting me to be a part of this featured member interview. It’s been a pleasure getting the chance to talk about our company and products and services that I’m so very proud of. I hope that your readers get some insight into TCMzone and our products and services that maybe they didn’t previously have and understand who we are as a leading herbal products supplier.
I enjoy the continued learning experiences that TCMzone has provided me and working with licensed healthcare practitioners whose goal is to provide their patients with the best treatment protocols in a natural, progressive and integrative way has made me extremely proud to be a part of such a revolutionary, quality-driven, education-focused company.
Your readers can find out more about TCMzone and what we have to offer by visiting our website, https://tcmzone.com/. They can also reach me directly at jknapp@tcmzone.com or any of our helpful staff at info@tcmzone.com.
Thank you, Jennifer! And thanks to TCMzone for their continued membership with CSOMA.
Why Join CSOMA?
Maybe it’s because you too want to see more licensed acupuncturists working in hospitals, VA and managed care facilities.🏥 That’s a great reason, because as California’s leading and longest-running professional acupuncture association, CSOMA advocates vigorously for job expansion.
Why join? Maybe it’s the generous member discounts. It’s true – with all the savings you get on malpractice insurance, acupuncture and herbal supplies, services like billing & credentialing, and discounted CEUs – your dues do pay for themselves.
Why join? Maybe it’s hard to pick one good reason. After all, CSOMA membership gives you instant access to practice building tools, expert answers to your questions, practitioner-contributed tips & downloads, student resources, and to top it all off, a free print copy of CSOMA’s 30+ year, peer-reviewed publication, the Journal of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine (JAIM).
Why join? Maybe it’s because we’re able to do all the above with your membership dues, while keeping those dues among the lowest in the integrative healthcare profession 🤔 Did we mention our talented and passionate board of directors? They are our consultants, organizers, problem-solvers, letter-writers, phone callers, meeting-makers and community-builders who help us move mountains – and they do it all, for FREE. What would we do without them?
More importantly, what would we do without you?
We hope you’ll say yes! to becoming a CSOMA member. Join our vibrant community of students, professionals, organizations and supporters of acupuncture medicine. And if you still can’t come up with a good reason, we offer CSOMA’s past president Dr. Nell Smircina’s answer to the question of why join: “Why not?” ✨
PS: Want to get involved, too? Check out our committee work or drop us a note and share your ideas!
Call for CSOMA Board Members
Join the CSOMA board of directors for the 2022-24 term!
WHO JOINS THE CSOMA BOARD?
- CSOMA board members are healthcare visionaries and fierce patient advocates who are advancing the practice of acupuncture and integrative medicine.
- Most of us work at hospitals, with the VA, in integrative clinical settings or in other leadership positions.
- Many of us are dual-licensed (LAc + MD, ND, PT, RN, CNT, etc).
- All of us are dedicated to improving patient care through CSOMA’s legislative advocacy, education, communication, and support for acupuncture students and professionals.
Meet the CSOMA team at https://csomaonline.org/about/
WHICH BOARD POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
This year, the CSOMA professional membership will elect:
- 2 new Professional Directors (LAc)
- 1 new Associate Director (industry partner, vendor, etc.)
- 1 new Student Director (full or part time student status)
* Any Professional, Associate or Student Member in good standing may apply.
**Elections will go out to the membership if we receive more applications than available seats.
WHAT AM I AGREEING TO BY JOINING THE CSOMA BOARD?
Your 1-2 hour per week volunteer commitment involves:
- 1 weekly zoom call per week (30-60 mins) on a committee in your passion area.
- 6 annual board meetings per year (currently being held via zoom, usually on a Sunday morning). Travel expenses are covered when applicable for conferences or other events.
- Clear, mindful communication skills and a generous spirit of teamwork.
- A positive drive to unify and advance our profession.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Send your application (your resume + letter of interest) to (president@csomaonline.org) before Friday, March 18 , 2022. You’ll be contacted by CSOMA by April 1, 2022.
WHAT DOES A CSOMA BOARD MEMBER DO?
Below are a few of our Board Committees; each Committee has an appointed Chair, who organizes monthly meetings to discuss plans on how each member can contribute to achieving specific topics as listed below. If you have an interest in the topics and or committees, please consider volunteering to help make positive changes for our profession.
- Futures Committee: Project for 2022-24 terms. Organize Lobby Day in Sacramento for CA Acupuncturists to meet our legislators and raise awareness re: Acupuncture.
- CEU and Events Committee: Work with local professionals to co-host Continuing Educational Events and mini regional conferences, Outreach to CSOMA members to inform them of discounted CEU and events.
- Public Policy Advisory Committee: Have an interest in Politics? Research, review and weigh in on policy affecting acupuncturists in CA. Topics include: dry needling, education and training programs, scope of practice and safety.
- Publications Advisory Committee: Have an interest in research, writing and development. Help organize the Journal of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine (JAIM). A semiannual publication peer reviewed journal-containing articles, which emphasize research and clinical practice of the AOM profession.
- Governance Committee: This Committee consists of Professional members who help organize elections and select the initial slate of nominees who will best serve the interests of CSOMA and its members.
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS I CAN PARTICIPATE IN CSOMA?
If you aren’t able to contribute time, please consider becoming a member of CSOMA. Your support helps shape and support the numerous hours of volunteer work our Board contributes to shaping our profession.
JAIM Call for Submissions
Call for Papers (January-April 1, 2022)
Original work sought for the next issue of the Journal of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine (JAIM), to be released in Fall/Winter 2022.
What you need to know:
- This issue’s theme is “integrative approaches to care using acupuncture and East Asian medicine for oncology support and palliative care.” Please note: due to legality and practice acts, we will be unable to accept any articles claiming to cure or specifically treat cancer.
- We are seeking the following:
- Of particular interest, though not limited to, are submissions related to: (1) oncology programs at hospitals, major medical centers, or integrative practices that include acupuncture and East Asian medicine; (2) clinically effective treatments and protocols for oncology support; (3) case studies or case series for supportive oncology treatments; (4) cautions, contraindications, and clinical guidelines for the safe use of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in oncology support; (5) meta-analysis of current research; (6) reviews of new books or clinical trainings related to oncology support and East Asian medicine. Doctoral theses are welcome!
- Possible questions to answer in your article:
Do you work in a hospital or integrative care setting? Do you provide inpatient or outpatient care? How integrated are you with other medical practitioners? Are you using acupuncture, herbal medicine, or other modalities? What obstacles or barriers to care do you or your patients face? Do you have a compelling treatment protocol and case study to share? Do you have images, photos, tables, or graphics that relate to your practice?
- Articles should be no more than 3,000 words in length, contain an abstract, and follow reference guidelines of the American Medical Association (AMA).
- Articles will be peer-reviewed in April-May of 2022 with final publishing decisions made by June 2022.
- Papers can be submitted to JAIM via Scholastica. Cost to submit papers is $10.00. If you have questions, please contact jaim@csomaonline.org.
Any additional questions regarding authorship should be directed to jaim@csomaonline.org.
Please share this announcement with your colleagues!
Student Resources
CSOMA, along with our many corporate members are here to support students. You’ll find helpful tips on passing the licensing exam(s) here and here, and access to many resources, including:
- Events & CEUs – updated regularly
- CSOMA Newsletter – stay in the know!
- Advocacy tools – downloads, media and links to help you educate your community
- AOM links – a large collection of services, suppliers and industry resources
- Journal of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine (JAIM) – request a copy, submit an article, become a peer reviewer
- American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) & NCCAOM – get to know your national-level advocacy groups
We also encourage students to join a committee, or apply to become a board director.
Professional Resources
Whether you’re a current member or considering joining, we’ve got the resources you’re looking for!
- Events & CEUs – updated regularly
- CSOMA Newsletter – stay in the know!
- Advocacy tools – downloads, media and links to help you educate your community
- AOM links – a large collection of services, suppliers and industry resources
- Journal of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine (JAIM) – request a copy, submit an article, become a peer reviewer
- American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) & NCCAOM – get to know your national-level advocacy groups
For Members
- Get listed on CSOMA’s Find A Practitioner directory
- Get your 10% malpractice insurance discount from MIEC or AAC
- Register for discounted CEUs throughout the year
- Stock up & save up to 20% on supplies
- Download your “Proud CSOMA Member” badge for your website, business cards, etc.
- Explore CSOMA’s Practice Management Tools
- Speak to BASE to see if you qualify for a money-saving health reimbursement account
- Join a committee, or apply to become a board director
Happy Holidays from CSOMA!
Letter from the President, Dr. Nell Smircina, LAc
Happy Holiday Greetings from CSOMA!
We hope this finds you well in the last weeks of 2021.
I’m excited to share a few news items for you to look forward to in the new year:
- The Journal of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is hitting mailboxes shortly! You should receive your copy soon. Our next issue will cover integrative oncology – stay tuned!
- World Chinese Medicine Forum’s Top Infertility Experts from China series is offering a 50% discount to CSOMA members. Includes 5 sessions, 10 PDAs/CEUs. Sign up at worldchinesemedicineforum.org and use your member discount code. First session is Jan. 12.
- CSOMA is spearheading an aggressive legislative agenda that expands L.Ac. scope of practice (point injection & laser therapies), and improves access to care (Medicare, VA, insurance).
We look forward to your continued membership with CSOMA, and we wish you a very happy New Year!
Warm Regards,
Dr. Nell Smircina, LAc
CSOMA President
Webinar: Private Label: Launching Your Own Wellness Brand
BIG THANKS to our webinar sponsor, Treasure of the East!
This webinar is scheduled for November 18, 2021 – 10am PDT, 1pm EDT (2 hrs)
CLICK HERE for full details and registration
Overview
As a TCM practitioner, you are uniquely positioned to launch your own line of wellness products into the market. Whether yours is an internal supplement (herbal medicine, amino acids, vitamins, CBD), a topical (dit da jow, skin products), a delicious new superfood (instant morning beverage) – or any of the above, this course will help you get started without breaking the bank!
Topics will include: sourcing, marketing, ecommerce & more.
Join us and…
- Learn if private label is right for you.
- Understand dietary supplement labeling & compliance.
- Develop your own brand story that inspires others.
About the speaker: Kim Neumann is the founder of All Natural Agency, a B2B marketing consultancy for healthy brands. Before pursuing her MSTCM, Kim held corporate positions in marketing, publishing, PR, web design and video production. She draws on her skillset to serve the health & wellness industry.
Webinar: Your Network is Your Net-Worth: Cultivating an Effective Network for Your Patient Acquisition and Business Goals
BIG THANKS to our webinar sponsor, KPC Herbs!
This webinar is scheduled for October 14, 2021 – 5pm PDT, 8pm EDT (2 hrs)
CLICK HERE for full details and registration
Overview
A roadblock for many acupuncture practitioners is knowing how to implement an effective strategy for growing their network. Often as confusing is understanding why it’s important and then how to leverage it to get what we need for business and practice growth. We often forget that networking is about bringing mutual value. Having a solid network (and knowing how to effectively and ethically communicate to that network) allows for many opportunities. This course will provide a framework for these strategies. Common opportunities from effective networking: increased qualified referrals, speaking and media opportunities and enhanced credibility.
Join us and…
- Understand the power of networking for your practice growth.
- Learn how to set up a networking strategy, targeted toward your unique goals for your personal and professional growth.
- Learn how to ethically communicate your value with different audiences within your network, such as other practitioners, patients or the general public.
About the speaker: Dr. Nell Smircina, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM is an advocate, educator and practitioner with a focus on the integration of acupuncture into America’s standard of care.