Welcome to the FAOMRA website. Since it’s
inception in 1999, FAOMRA has strived to meet its purpose as a forum for state regulatory agencies
to come together in a collegial environment to discuss regulatory issues and common regulatory
problems. On a biannual basis, FAOMRA addresses issues unique to individual states that may have an
impact on a national level.
We have come a long way, addressing the need for reciprocity/licensure by endorsement, developing a
list of common national regulatory standards and maintaining an open environment where states can
come together to discuss the impact of common issues.
Currently, there are several key issues being discussed on a national level that may have a
profound effect on the direction of acupuncture and oriental medicine and most importantly for
FAOMRA, the regulations regarding education and licensure. One dialogue in which FAOMRA is actively
participating is the ACAOM Doctoral Task Force which is charged with developing recommendations for
a First Professional Doctorate Degree program. This issue, perhaps one of the most contentious in
our medicine’s history, has the potential to effect regulatory agencies through out the country.
FAOMRA believes that its involvement and input during these round table discussions is critical.
While some members of the profession may ask for increased educational standards, scope of practice
and professional portability, it will ultimately be up to the state legislatures and regulatory
agencies to determine the degree to which this will become a reality. If you are in a state that has
no regulations as of yet, we are here to extend a helping hand to you. FAOMRA can provide resources
and guidance through the shared experiences and voices of those member States that are already
regulated. You can have access to a broad range of information regarding legislative processes and
many different types of licensure and scopes of practice. FAOMRA has resources that will help you
craft a bill in your own state and help you succeed in your goal to become recognized through
legislation. We can also share the experiences we have had in our missteps, perhaps helping you to
avoid some of the pitfalls that any new legislation is bound to contain. Whether you are a state
that has established legislation, a newly regulated state or a state seeking to gain legislative
recognition, FAOMRA has something to offer you.
David Paton
FAOMRA President
