Advisory Board on Acupuncture 

The Advisory Board on Acupuncture was established by statute in Chapter 29 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia. Its mission is to assist the Board of Medicine in carrying out the provisions of the law regarding the qualifications, examination, licensure, and regulation of acupuncturists. The Advisory Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor. These members include:

• 3 licensed acupuncturists who have practiced in Virginia for no less than 3 years;

• 1 doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, or podiatry who is qualified to practice acupuncture in Virginia; and,

• 1 citizen appointed from the Commonwealth at large.

The Advisory Board on Acupuncture meets 3 times per year to discuss matters related to the profession of acupuncture.While it may hear comments or discuss issues related to advocacy, the Advisory Board’s main focus is professional compliance.

Acupuncture Society of Virginia 

The Acupuncture Society of Virginia is a 501(c)(6) not-for profit, tax-exempt organization known as a business league. According to the IRS, “a business league is an association of persons having some common business interest, the purpose of which is to promote such common interest and not to engage in a regular business of a kind ordinarily carried on for profit.”

ASVA’s main focus is advocacy.We promote, advance, and support the profession of acupuncture in Virginia by monitoring and supporting legislation/regulation, lobbying for change at the state and national levels, educating the general public about the benefits of East Asian Medicine, providing continuing education opportunities to licensed acupuncturists, supporting clinical research, and collaborating with national organizations.

ASVA is almost entirely funded by membership dues. We also receive money through monetary gifts (which are not tax deductible) and fundraising efforts (such as CEU events). The ASVA Board of Directors is made up of 7 individuals elected by the general membership.