Licensed acupuncturists join the veterans health administration
Item
Title
Licensed acupuncturists join the veterans health administration
Description
Med Acupunct (2018), Olson, Juli
Abstract
This article introduces changes occurring in the veterans health administration (VHA) with respect to the delivery of acupuncture. The VHA has published a new occupation code and job qualification standard allowing licensed acupuncturists to practice at the VHA medical centers. This policy shift comes at a time of great need for complementary and integrative health (CIH) options for veterans as identified by the advancing research, policies, and legislation that support CIH. The VHA initiatives include fostering an understanding of the distinct profession of licensed acupuncturists, developing an appreciation of the emerging evidence for acupuncture, and creating the cultural shift to support a wider view of CIH services. Historically, acupuncture was provided in the VHA mostly by physician-acupuncturists and chiropractic acupuncturists. The publication of a qualification standard for licensed acupuncturists allows the VHA to increase its provider base and create cost savings for the delivery of acupuncture. This move requires overcoming barriers to the integration of licensed acupuncturists into the VHA system. The goal is to increase the utilization of acupuncture among veterans.
Alternative Title
Med Acupunct
Creator
Date
Language
English
Source
Subject
doi
10.1089/acu.2018.1298
issn
1933-6586
issue
5
page end
251
page start
248
volume
30