Engaging in acupuncture or advertising as a practitioner without a license is a criminal offense in many jurisdictions (e.g., a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina).
In the United States, it is for an individual to purchase or receive acupuncture needles without being a qualified practitioner authorized by state law. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as Class II prescription medical devices . Federal Regulations buy acupuncture needles without license
Most states require practitioners to have extensive training (often 2,000 to 3,000 hours) and pass standardized exams from bodies like the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Engaging in acupuncture or advertising as a practitioner
Some allied health professionals, like physical therapists, attempt to purchase needles for "dry needling." However, many regulatory boards and medical organizations argue this still constitutes the practice of acupuncture and remains illegal without proper licensure. Risks of Unlicensed Use Risks of Unlicensed Use Purchasing, receiving, or using
Purchasing, receiving, or using these needles without a license can lead to the devices being classified as "adulterated" or "misbranded" under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), potentially resulting in civil or criminal penalties. State Laws and Restrictions