Acupuncture has become a strong part of the Western medical model. The Western medical community and the general public continue to recognize its effectiveness. Acupuncturists are working in hospitals, pain clinics, addiction centers, holistic health centers, and private practices all over California. Recently, the largest health care facility in the Santa Barbara area, Cottage Hospital, has granted staff privileges to local acupuncturists. On the national level, there has been testing and certifications since 1985.
Many states have their own acupuncture laws.
Some accept the national exam as the standard for licensure, and others accept it as a prerequisite for their own licensing system. California requires graduation from a state approved school or tutorial program prior to sitting for its licensure exam.