Application & Instructions for Initial Licensure - Physician Acupuncturist/Licensed Acupuncturist

Log in to LaMED DashBoard to begin a new online initial application, complete a previously started (and saved) online initial application or to check the status of your completed online initial application.

 

The items listed below MUST be completed and mailed to the LSBME as part of the initial application process.

Oath or Affirmation
This form must be notarized. All yes answers must be accompanied by a sworn affidavit. A sworn affidavit is an explanation (in applicant’s own words) that must be typed and notarized. Note: If criminal history is found that was not disclosed, you will be required to submit a new Oath or Affirmation, a notarized affidavit as to why you did not disclose the information and a new processing fee equal to the initial licensure fee. It is important that you answer question 3 accurately and truthfully. Do not take the advice of friends, lawyer, etc.

Third Party Authorization
This form must be notarized. It authorizes LSBME to obtain information concerning the applicant from third parties.

Certificate of Dean/Registrar
This form must be notarized. Complete Section 1 as directed (a passport quality photo is required) and mail to professional school/university for completion of Section 2. The school/university must mail the completed form directly to LSBME.

Background Check
LSBME conducts background checks as part of the application process. Instructions and forms can be found at the link above.

PHYSICIAN ACUPUNCTURIST

To be eligible for certification as a physician acupuncturist, an applicant shall:
1.   Be a physician possessing a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Louisiana duly issued by the board;
2.   Be of good moral character; and
3.   Have successfully completed not less than six months of training in acupuncture in a school or clinic approved by the board; or
4.   Completed three hundred credit hours of continuing medical education in acupuncture designated as category one continuing medical education hours by the American Medical Association.

The burden of satisfying the board as to the qualifications and eligibility of the applicant for certification shall be upon the applicant. An applicant shall not be deemed to possess such qualifications unless the applicant demonstrates and evidences such qualifications in the manner prescribed by, and to the satisfaction of, the board.

Checklist:

  • Certificate of completion of six months training in Acupuncture or

  • Certificate of completion of three hundred credit hours of continuing medical education in acupuncture designated as category one continuing medical education hours by the American Medical Association

NOTE:  All documents required to be submitted to the board must be the original thereof. All documentation submitted in a language other than English shall be accompanied by a translation into English certified by a translator other than the applicant who shall attest to the accuracy of such translation under penalty of perjury.  See discussion, “Translations” herein.

LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST

A.  To be eligible for certification as a licensed acupuncturist an applicant:

1.   shall be at least 21 years of age;
2.   shall be of good moral character;
3.   shall be a citizen of the United States or possess valid and current legal authority to reside and work in the United States duly issued by the commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States under and pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act and the commissioner's regulations;
4.   shall have:
      a.  successfully completed not less than 36 months of training in acupuncture in a school or clinic approved by the ACAOM;
      b. successfully passed the certification examination given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
      c. have been formally appointed or employed to perform acupuncture exclusively for research purposes by and at:

  • an accredited licensed hospital located in the state of Louisiana; or

  • an accredited school or college of medicine located in the state of Louisiana.

B.   To be eligible for approval under this chapter, a proposed physician shall, as of the date of the application:
1.   possess a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state of Louisiana; and
2.   have been in the active practice of medicine for at least five years following the completion of postgraduate residency training, if any.

C.   The burden of satisfying the board as to the qualifications and eligibility of the applicant and proposed relationship physician for certification and approval shall be upon the applicant and proposed relationship physician, who shall demonstrate and evidence such qualifications in the manner prescribed by, and to the satisfaction of, the Board.

Checklist

  • Certificate of completion of 36 months instruction in acupuncture.

  • 1 recent photograph.

  • Criminal Background Check Materials

  • a detailed description of the proposed physician’s professional background and specialty, if any; the nature and scope of his medical practice; the geographic and demographic characteristics of his medical practice; the address or location of the office where the applicant is to be.

  • a description of the proposed physician acupuncturist's knowledge of and prior training or experience, if any, in acupuncture.

  • a description of the specific activities to be performed by the applicant, the way in which the applicant will be utilized as a licensed acupuncturist, and the methods to be used by the proposed physician acupuncturist to insure responsible direction and control of the activities of the applicant as an acupuncturist's assistant.

  • See discussion of birth certificates and passports herein.

  • Criminal Background Check Materials.

Additional Requirements

Fees

Fee must be paid via credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover only) .

Fee is non-refundable.

  • Licensure- $200.00.

Birth Certificate/Valid Visa

  • U.S. citizen - submit a notarized or certified copy of your birth certificate.
  • U.S. citizen not born in the U.S. - submit a notarized copy of your certificate of citizenship, consular report of birth abroad or certificate of naturalization.
  • Non-U.S. citizen - submit a notarized copy of current proof of citizenship.  Acceptable forms of citizenship are an H1B Visa, J1 Visa, O1 Visa, TN Visa, Permanent Resident card or Employment Authorization card.
  • Louisiana law (LA RS: 37.12) requires a valid permit to live and work in the United States to practice medicine.
  • J1 Visas are structured for training and educational purposes only.  The typical sponsor for a Medical Doctor’s J1 Visa is the ECFMG.  A J1 visa is not for employment outside of a formal training program.
  • H1B Visas are intended for those who are performing a specialized service or occupation.  These Visas are usually sponsored by hospitals or a particular employer.
  • The LSBME works with the United States INS to grant interlocking letters to obtain an effective date for the H1B Visa.  The effective date of the Visa will be the effective date of the Louisiana license or permit issued by the LSBME.
  • The applicant’s employer usually needs a valid LSBME license to complete the credentialing process for hospitals, insurance companies, and professional liability insurers.  Therefore, the licensure applicant should work with the United States INS Visa sponsor to set the effective date for the Visa. 

Marriage Certificate/Name Change
Application for licensure in a name other than what appears on the birth certificate requires a notarized copy of official documentation of name change (ie marriage certificate).

Notarization as a “true copy”
Request the notary to certify a copy of your birth certificate and/or marriage certificate as a “true and correct copy of the original”. If the notary will not certify the document, you can attest that it is a “true and correct copy of the original”. The notary can then notarize your signature.

Verification of Licenses in Other States
Verification of all state licenses are required.  Contact the state board(s) directly to obtain verification of your license.  Please note, there may be a processing fee needed.

Other Information

Verification of Application/Licensure Status
Visit our website www.lsbme.la.gov and log on to your account to verify the progress/status of your application.

Communication with the Board
Mailing Address - LSBME, 630 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Questions - Contact our licensing department at licensing@lsbme.la.gov. To find the analyst directly assigned to your application, click on Contact Us.