Q:  May a licensed physician in Ohio practice acupuncture and is the practice in any way restricted?

A:  Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in Ohio are authorized to use "alternative medical treatment" by section 4731.227 of the Revised Code.  That section of the code defines "alternative medical treatment" as "care that is complementary to or different from conventional medical care but is reasonable when the benefits and risks of the alternative medical treatment and the conventional medical care are compared." There is no explicit limitation on the use of any alternative modality by a licensed physician, though a physician must continue to operate within the standard of care as required in 4731.22(B)(6) of the Revised Code.  Section 4731.227 of the Revised Code also contains explicit requirements for informed consent regarding the use of alternative modalities.  A physician might also want to consider billing issues when using alternative modalities as 5101:3-13-05 of the Ohio Administrative Code lists acupuncture as a "noncovered service" for purposes of reimbursement in the Medicaid system.  Finally, while chapter 4762. of the Revised Code licenses acupuncturists and limits the practice of acupuncture in Ohio to those who hold an acupuncture license from the State Medical Board, section 4762.02(B) specifically exempts licensed physicians from that requirement.