(a)

(1) The Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques is empowered to incur whatever expenses it may deem necessary or expedient in performing its functions. It may employ or engage whatever personnel, legal counsel, independent contractors, or assistants it may deem necessary or expedient therefor and fix their compensation. However, no employee of the board shall have any financial interest in the occupation of acupuncture and related techniques.

(2) All of the disbursements provided for in this section shall be out of the fees and fines collected by the board.

(b) The Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques is authorized to:

(1) Make suitable bylaws for carrying out its duties under the provisions of this chapter;

(2) Sue and be sued;

(3) Have an official seal that shall bear the words "Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques";

(4)

(A) Provide a secretary's certificate.

(B) The certificate of the Secretary of the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques under seal shall be accepted in the courts of the state as the best evidence as to the minutes of the board and shall likewise be accepted in the courts of the state as the best evidence as to the licensure or nonlicensure of any person under the requirements of this chapter;

(5)

(A) Adopt, publish, and, from time to time, revise such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the law as may be necessary to enable it to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter.

(B) Within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this act, the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques shall promulgate new rules to replace the following existing rules: Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, Title V, and Title VI.

(C) All proposed rules after the effective date of this act shall be approved in writing by the Arkansas State Medical Board under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., but before submission to the Subcommittee on Administrative Rules and Regulations of the Legislative Council;

(6) Keep a record of all its proceedings, receipts, and disbursements;

(7) Adopt standards for applicants wishing to take the licensing examination and conduct examinations or contract with persons or entities to conduct examinations of applicants;

(8) Grant, deny, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses to practice acupuncture and related techniques for any cause stated in this chapter. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine who shall be permitted to practice acupuncture and related techniques in the State of Arkansas; and

(9) Conduct disciplinary proceedings under this chapter.

(c)

(1) In the performance of its duties, the board is empowered to administer oaths and take testimony on any matters within the board's jurisdiction and issue subpoenas and thereby compel the attendance of persons before it for the purpose of examining any facts or conditions properly pending before the board for its action.

(2) All subpoenas issued by the board shall be served in the manner prescribed by law for the service of subpoenas issuing from the courts, and all persons so served shall obey the subpoenas or be subject to the penalties provided by law for the disobedience of subpoenas issuing from the courts.