A significant evolution is on the horizon for the acupuncture profession! The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has officially announced its name change to the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM), effective January 2026. This pivotal decision, approved by the Board of Commissioners after extensive stakeholder input, marks a strategic step to align the organization's identity with the profession's evolving scope and values.

The new name, NCBAHM, is intended to better reflect the profession's cultural sensitivity and its growing presence in national healthcare conversations, encompassing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and related fields. Recognizing that this transition may require updates to laws and regulations that still reference the former name, the NCCAOM is committed to collaborating closely with state associations and regulatory bodies to ensure a smooth alignment of legislative language. This move signifies a modernized and inclusive identity for certified practitioners, positioning the profession more clearly within the broader healthcare landscape and signaling its continued growth and recognition.