December 2015 – Pacific College of Oriental Medicine – Chicago was well-represented at a December 2015 private meeting with the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  A representative of Quad A (the Asian American Association of Acupuncturists, Chicago) and representatives of ILaaom (Illinois Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), all of whom were PCOM graduates, were also at the meeting.Â
The main topic was the controversial issue of dry needling by physical therapists, but the Secretary also asked what other issues were on acupuncturists’ and the college’s mind. Topics brought up included an expanded ability to directly bill insurance companies for treatment and prescription of herbs to patients. The Acupuncture Practice Act is up for renewal in 2017 and these organizations, as well as the lobbyist in Springfield they have engaged for over 10 years, will be pushing hard for protection and expansion of the Illinois acupuncturist’s scope of practice.
Â