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HB 1269 · 2026 · House · Executive Departments and Administration Committee

Acupuncture licensure requirement changes

AI-generated

relative to qualifications to practice acupuncture.

Modifies acupuncture licensure requirements, adds an acupuncture detoxification specialist to the acupuncture board, and updates the name of the certifying commission from NCCAOM to NCBAHM.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · July 10, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill modifies requirements for acupuncture licensure; adds an acupuncture detoxification specialist to the acupuncture board; and updates the name of the certification commission from the NCCAOM to the NCBAHM.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as enacted. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“"NADA training" means the standardized auricular acupuncture protocol developed by NADA [that is in effect on July 1, 2017].”
Section 223:1
“Three acupuncturists, and one certified acupuncture detoxification specialist, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the council, who shall:”
Section 223:2
“"NCBAHM" means the National Certification Board of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, including its predecessors and successors.”
Section 223:4

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Peter SchmidtDPrime

Rep. Mark WardenR

Public testimony

15 signed in online · 7 wrote testimony

47% support47% oppose7% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“As an ADS I have helped many people reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia and withdrawal symptoms by providing ear acupuncture. I believe this treatment is revolutionary in helping the community.…”
— Robert Dalrymple, Manchestersupports
“I am a LCMHC, MLADC in NH and practice within an RHC that offers behavioral health and Substance use disorder treatment. I have been certified to practice auricular acupuncture since 2020. I have found that auricular acupuncture can provide immediate relief for some patients.…”
— Shawna Delworth, Lancastersupports
“I am an Acupuncture Detox Specialist (ADS) and support this bill. The need for an ADS on the State board would be a great addition and I myself would be honoured to sit on the board.…”
— Katrina MacIntosh, Deeringsupports
“January 17, 2026 Honorable Members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, On behalf of the members and Board of the NH Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Association (NHAAMA), we write to provide our comments on HB 1269, "An Act relative to qualifications to practice acupuncture."…”
— Eileen Halloran, Merrimackopposes
“Although I serve on the board for the New Hampshire Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Association ( NHAAMA), I am a member of the Public, representing myself. I am using our Association's letter to represent me in this matter.…”
— JODY BELL, MANCHESTERopposes
“January 21, 2026 Dear Chairperson Layon and Honorable Members of the Executive Departments and Administration Committee: I write today to provide testimony on HB 1269, an act relative to qualifications to practice acupuncture.…”
— L. Cindy Theroux-Jette, Nashuaopposes

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 22, 2026Public hearingHouse Executive Departments and Administration3:57:40–4:00:122m 32slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0795h — adopted, voice vote; Amendment # 2026-0795h — adopted, voice vote
  • Apr 1, 2026Public hearingSenate Executive Departments and Administration45:06–55:3010m 24slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
  • May 7, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1651s; Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1651s — adopted, voice vote; Committee Amendment # 2026-1651s — adopted, voice vote
  • May 21, 2026Floor debateHouse floor1:28:35–1:29:421m 7slocated in the stream transcriptHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1651s (Rep. Layon) — adopted, voice vote
  • Jun 4, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamEnrolled Adopted — voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration HJ 1 P. 13
  2. Jan 22, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/22/2026 01:30 pm GP 153
  3. Feb 18, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/18/2026 01:30 pm GP 153
  4. Feb 18, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0795h 02/18/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 10 P. 19
  5. Mar 11, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0795h: AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 41
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0795h: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 41
  7. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 7
  8. Apr 1, 2026SenHearing: 04/01/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:10 am; SC 12
  9. May 7, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1651s, 05/07/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 17
  10. May 7, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1651s, AA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
  11. May 7, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1651s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
  12. May 21, 2026HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1651s (Rep. Layon): MA VV 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 11
  13. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  14. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  15. Jul 2, 2026HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026; Chapter 223; eff. 8/31/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.