Perseverance in Acupuncturists
Independent Practice

In the United State, acupuncture is not recognized and understood by the American communities.  Back in the early 1960s near 50 years ago, acupuncture in the United States was challenged by “practice without license”.  Practicing acupuncture is considered illegal.  Chinese and other Asian doctors are not permitted to treat patients with acupuncture.  The advancement is only stop short to practice under the supervision of western medical school trained doctors, or a referral by the western medical doctor is required before the acupuncture can be practiced.

After years of unremitting efforts by Dr. David Hung, he overcame many difficulties and obstacles. Finally, on August 9, 1975, it was approved by the New York State Senate and House of Representatives.  The New York State Governor Hugh Carey finally signed and approved the State Independent Practice of Acupuncture Act.  Since then, TCM acupuncture doctors in New York State have become legal, and acupuncture doctors can practice medicine independently.  IN 1976, New York State began to issue the first group of acupuncture licenses, and Dr. Hung became the first Chinese acupuncturist to be awarded an acupuncture license.

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A year later, the American Acupuncture Associate was officially founded to continue fighting for the independent practice and the status of acupuncturists.