(a) To qualify for a license, an applicant shall:

(1) Be of good moral character;

(2) Be at least 18 years of age;

(3) Demonstrate competence in performing acupuncture by meeting one of the following standards for education, training, or demonstrated experience:

(A) Graduation from a course of training of at least 1,800 hours, including 300 clinical hours, that is:

(i) Approved by the national accreditation commission for schools and colleges of acupuncture and oriental medicine; or

(ii) Found by the board to be equivalent to a course approved by the national accreditation commission for schools and colleges of acupuncture and oriental medicine;

(B) Achievement of a passing score on an examination that is:

(i) Given by the national commission for the certification of acupuncturists; or

(ii) Determined by the board to be equivalent to the examination given by the national commission for the certification of acupuncturists;

(C) Successful completion of an apprenticeship consisting of at least 2,700 hours within a five-year period under the direction of an individual properly approved by that jurisdiction to perform acupuncture; or

(D) Performance of the practice of acupuncture in accordance with the law of another jurisdiction or jurisdictions for a period of at least three years within the five years immediately prior to application that consisted of at least 500 patient visits per year; and

(4) Achievement of any other qualifications that the board establishes in rules.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code to the contrary, to qualify for a certificate as an auricular detoxification specialist, an applicant shall:

(1) Be at least 18 years old;

(2) Be authorized in this state to engage in any of the following:

(A) Physician assistant, pursuant to §30-3E-1 et seq. of this code;

(B) Dentist, pursuant to §30-4-1 et seq. of this code;

(C) Registered professional nurse, pursuant to §30-7-1 et seq. of this code;

(D) Practical nurse, pursuant to §30-7A-1 et seq. of this code;

(E) Psychologist, pursuant to §30-21-1 et seq. of this code;

(F) Occupational therapist, pursuant to §30-28-1 et seq. of this code;

(G) Social worker, pursuant to §30-30-1 et seq. of this code;

(H) Professional counselor, pursuant to §30-31-1 et seq. of this code;

(I) Emergency medical services provider, pursuant to §16-4C-1 et seq. of this code; or

(J) Corrections medical providers, pursuant to §15A-1-1 et seq. of this code.

(3) Provide evidence of successful completion of a board-approved auricular acudetox program;

(4) Submit a completed application as prescribed by the board; and

(5) Submit the appropriate fees as provided for by legislative rule.

(c) A certificate may be issued to a retired or inactive professional as described in §30-36-10(b) of this code: Provided, That the professional meets the qualifications for a certificate holder and the last three years of professional activity were performed in good standing: Provided, however, That a person who holds a certificate or its equivalent in another jurisdiction as an auricular detoxification specialist may be approved by the board to practice auricular acudetox during a public health emergency or state of emergency for a duration to be provided for in legislative rules of the board.