News Archives
Join a CCAHM Committee!
Joining a CCAHM Committee is a meaningful way to shape the future of acupuncture and herbal medicine while growing your own career. Watch the video to learn more! Read More ...
2025 Election - Executive Committee Nominations Open
Member schools have been sent the official notice of open Executive Committee (EC) positions for the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM). Please consider nominating a colleague, Council member, or yourself. Each position is for a period of two years. Read More ...
September CCAHM Now Member Meeting: Issues Impacting our Schools
Join us for our September CCAHM Now session as we follow up on key issues raised in July and focus on legislative and regulatory developments impacting AHM schools—including the public hearings for the Department of Education’s negotiated rulemaking (RISE & AHEAD committees). Read More ...
CCAHM Announces Dates for Fall Conference (Virtual) - Nov. 12-14
CCAHM is pleased to announce its Fall Conference, which will occur virtually from Nov. 12-14 (Wednesday-Friday). The General Business Meeting will occur on Thursday, November 13th. Read More ...
URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Protect Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Education Funding!
We need your IMMEDIATE action regarding the higher education budget reconciliation bill currently being marked up by Republican staffers. This fast-moving legislation contains several provisions that would severely impact acupuncture and herbal medicine education nationwide. Read More ...
CCAHM Reconvenes for its First In-Person Spring Conference Since 2019
CCAHM would like to send a massive thank you to everyone who made last week’s Spring Conference so successful! Read More ...
Assessment of Education, Training, and Practice for Student Development - May 8th CCAHM Virtual Workshop with Jeral Kirwan, PhD
We are pleased to announce an upcoming faculty development opportunity on May 8, 2025 from 3:00-4:30 pm ET focusing on educational assessment theory and best practices tailored specifically for acupuncture and herbal medicine educators. Read More ...
Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) Issues New White Paper on Acupuncture Safety and Hospital Accreditation Standards
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce the publication of a new white paper titled "Acupuncture Safety in the Hospital Setting: The Congruence of the CCAHM Clean Needle Technique and the Joint Commission Standards." Read More ...
The AHM Coalition Releases Statement on the Impact of Tariffs on Acupuncture Products from China
In this statement, the AHM Coalition addresses the impact of tariffs on acupuncture products from China. Released April 2025. Read More ...
Dr. Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH: A Tribute to a Medical Acupuncture Pioneer
The world of medical acupuncture mourns the loss of Dr. Richard C. Niemtzow (April 18, 1942 – February 2, 2025), a previously retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, who was also a beloved physician, colleague, mentor, teacher, leader and friend. Read More ...
Happy Lunar New Year from CCAHM
2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake. This year will bring forward wisdom, creativity, transformation, and growth. Snakes belong to Yin and are thereby associated with darkness, dampness and femininity. Read More ...
Faculty Development Training Opportunity and Webinar Announcement - Clean Needle Technique (CNT) Essentials
CCAHM is excited to launch this Clean Needle Technique (CNT) refresher opportunity for AHM educators as a benefit exclusively for CCAHM member schools. This initiative aims to support and strengthen CNT instruction across schools and support faculty in providing high-quality CNT education for their students. Read More ...
CCAHM Message to Communities Impacted by Wildfires
We have all seen the news reports about the devastating wildfires bringing significant damage and destruction in Southern California. On behalf of the CCAHM Executive Committee, we send our concerns and care to the California acupuncture and herbal medicine (AHM) schools and the broader AHM community who may be impacted. Read More ...
Happy New Year from CCAHM - Executive Committee Video
Happy New Year from CCAHM! Hear from CCAHM Executive Committee President, Thomas Kouo, Vice President, Ben Griffith, Members-at-Large, Jenny Yu and Brittany Sanelli, along with Executive Director, Kristin Richeimer, on their highlights from 2024 and what they look forward to in 2025. Happy holidays and a happy new year! Read More ...
Catherine Niemiec, JD, L.Ac., Appointed as Member-at-Large to CCAHM Executive Committee
December 19, 2024 – Centennial, CO – The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Niemiec, JD, L.Ac., to the Executive Committee as Member-at-Large. This appointment fills the vacancy left following Ben Griffith’s election as Vice President. Read More ...
CCAHM Office Closed December 25-27th and January 1st
The office will be closed Dec. 25-27th and on January 1st for the holidays. Read More ...
Live Webinar: Essential Updates for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Education Administrators - Jan. 14, 2025
Join us for a members-only webinar exclusively for CCAHM member schools, designed to keep you informed about the latest legislative and compliance trends impacting higher education institutions. Read More ...
CCAHM Welcomes New Vice President and Member-at-Large after November Special Election
Centennial, CO – November 2024 – The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce the results of its recent Executive Committee elections. Dr. Benjamin W. Griffith II, DAc, LAc, DiplAc, has been elected as Vice President, and Brittany C. Sanelli, M.Ac., L.Ac., has been elected as Member-at-Large. Read More ...
CCAHM 2025 Spring Conference In-Person - Save the Date!
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) invites all member school personnel, students, and faculty to the in-person Spring 2025 Meeting, held in conjunction with the ASA Annual Meeting (April 26-27, 2025). This in-person event offers a rich program designed to maximize engagement, enhance collaboration, and provide value for member schools and stakeholders. Read More ...
Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Announces 2024 Executive Committee Election Results
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce the results of its 2024 Executive Committee election. Thomas Kouo, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl.OM, has been elected to a two year term as President. Read More ...
Hurricane Relief for Impacted Member Schools | Please Donate Today
Below, we share and amplify fundraising relief efforts to directly benefit two of our member schools in North Carolina* - Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts in Asheville, NC and Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in Sugar Grove, NC. Both fundraising efforts listed below are 501(c)(3) organizations and are fully tax deductible. Read More ...
Message From CCAHM after Hurricane Helene
As you may know, Hurricane Helene recently made its way through the Southeast United States, causing widespread damage, power outages, and disruptions to communities along its path. On behalf of the Executive Committee, we extend our heartfelt support to any of our member schools that may have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Read More ...
.jpg)
Jenny Yu, DACM, LAc Appointed as Member-at-Large on CCAHM Executive Committee
[Centennial, Colorado] – The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jenny Yu, DACM, LAc, Dean of the Eastern Medicine Department at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS), as the new Member-at-Large on the CCAHM Executive Committee. This appointment comes as a result of a vacancy created by the resignation of the previous Member-at-Large, Chad Egresi. Read More ...
POSTPONED (new date TBD): Faculty Development Virtual Workshop: Testing & Assessing our Students
Maryanne Travaglione, DAOM, L.Ac., NCCAOM (OM) will deliver a tailored workshop for faculty of CCAHM member schools on the topic of educational theory and best practices in creating student assessment tools. Read More ...
Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine Remembers Beloved Founder, Dr. Johanna Chu Yen
It is with great sadness that ATOM shares the news that its beloved founder, Dr. Johanna Chu Yen passed peacefully on July 21, 2024, at the home of her son in Palo Alto, California.She was 91 years old. Read More ...
CCAHM 2024 Fall Virtual Conference - Save the Date - Oct. 28-Oct. 31
NIH Funding Opportunity To Support Virtual Resource Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health Institutions (REACH)
.png)
CCAHM 2024 Spring Conference Schedule Now Available
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce that the 2024 Spring Conference will be held virtually from Monday, May 6, 2024, to Thursday, May 9, 2024. The comprehensive schedule is now available on our website, where attendees can also find updates on sessions, including those subject to time changes. Read More ...
The AHM Coalition Townhall
The AHM Coalition is a collaboration of the four major national acupuncture organizations (ACAHM, ASA, CCAHM, and NCCAOM) to advance professional standards of acupuncture and herbal medicine through education, advocacy, and research. This town hall will provide why this coalition began, what the mission/vison/goals are, and what the focus will be for the immediate future and five years from now. Read More ...
Kristin Richeimer, CAE Appointed as Executive Director for the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
[Centennial, Colorado] - The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin Richeimer, CAE, as its Executive Director, effective immediately. After serving as Interim Executive Director since the end of August 2023, Richeimer's permanent appointment ensures continuity and stability for the Council. Read More ...
Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Releases the Updated Clean Needle Technique Manual - 7th Edition
[Centennial, Colorado] - The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is proud to announce the updated 7th Edition of the “Clean Needle Technique (CNT) Manual: Best Practices for Acupuncture Needle Safety and Related Procedures.” This latest edition represents the Council's ongoing commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and professional practice in the field of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Read More ...
Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Announces 2023 Executive Committee Election Results
[Centennial, Colorado] – The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) proudly announces the results of its Fall 2023 Executive Committee Election, marking a new chapter in CCAHM’s leadership dedicated to support member institutions in advancing the field of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (AHM) through educational excellence. Read More ...
CCAHM 2023 Fall Conference Schedule is Available Now
The CCAHM 2023 Fall Conference will take place virtually from Monday, October 30, 2023, to Friday, November 3, 2023 and the overall schedule is available online now. You can also learn more about our expert faculty on our Meet the Presenters page. Read More ...
Unlocking the Future of Education: CCAHM Announces Future-Focused Faculty Development Sessions at its 2023 Fall Conference
[Centennial, Colorado] – The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is proud to announce two pivotal faculty development sessions at the upcoming CCAHM 2023 Fall Conference, set to take place virtually from Monday, October 30, 2023, to Friday, November 3, 2023. Read More ...
Kristin Richeimer, CAE Appointed as New Interim Executive Director for CCAHM
The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is excited to announce the appointment of Kristin Richeimer, CAE, as its new Interim Executive Director. Richeimer, a seasoned association management professional with over 20 years of experience, brings a wealth of expertise and leadership skills to guide CCAHM during a critical transition period ... Read More ...
AACMA Documentary Film
"Acupuncture Fever - The Road to Legalization in California" is a one-hour documentary to commemorate the outstanding accomplishment of predecessors in the profession. This film is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those who fought for the recognition of acupuncture as a legitimate practice. Read More ...
Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act
The ASA and the NCCAOM commend U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) for introducing the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act. Read More ...
Nominations for Commissioners
The Commission is currently seeking nominations of qualified individuals to fill upcoming practitioner and public member vacancies. Read More ...
Most Recent NCCAOM - ASA Town Hall
NCCAOM and ASA hosted a joint virtual Town Hall meeting titled "The State of the Profession: Where Do We Go From Here?" Click the link below to access the recording, Q&A document and related presentation files. Read More ...
AHM Leadership Organizations' Milestone
The Council is joined by the ASA, ACAHM and NCCAOM in celebrating 40 years as leaders in the profession and thanks the countless practitioners who have made significant contributions. Nominate a leader for the 40th Anniversary Reflection Photo & Story Drive. Read More ...
Standards for East Asian Medical Bodywork Certificate
The Commission recently approved final standards relating to the Graduate Certificate in East Asian Medical Bodywork after seeking and evaluating public comments. Read More ...
Webinar for ACAHM Schools
The next school webinar will be held on September 14 and will feature updates on the school Program Performance Reporting, online certification & exam processes and student resources. Read More ...
Summer 2022 Commission Meeting Agenda
The agenda for the Commission's late August meeting will include review of pending interim site visit reports, focused visit reports, monitoring reports and substantive change applications in addition to addressing pre-accreditation, initial and renewal accreditation application requests. Read More ...
AHM Strategic Workforce Development
CEO Mina Larson was recently interviewed for an Acupuncture Today article detailing key issues challenging the profession. She stressed the need to focus on strategic workforce development to meet rising demand and discussed collaborative efforts with the CCAHM and ASA. Read More ...
Help Refugees of the Ukranian Conflict
The European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA) and American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) have established a fundraising program to support refugees of the Ukraine conflict. ETCMA Member Associations and their dedicated practitioners are hard at work to extend much needed health and wellness services. Read More ...
WHO International TCM Standard Terminologies
WHO is developing benchmarking documents for TCM training & practice. This document is an essential tool for TCM professionals, policy-makers, health workers and the public, using the same concepts, understanding & definitions in communications, health care services, medical records and related technical & training resources. Read More ...
Trends in Acupuncture Insurance Coverage
Results of a research study on trends in insurance coverage for acupuncturist visits nationwide between 2010 and 2019 was recently published in JAMA. Read More ...
U.S. Department of Education Announcement
The U.S. Department of Education’s Senior Department Official (SDO) recently informed ACAOM that they have 12 months to come into compliance with the department’s criteria in order to be considered for renewal of recognition. Read More ...
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Day
To celebrate 2021 Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Day on October 24, NCCAOM and ASA partnered to launch a dedicated AHM site and host a variety of events including a photo contest and Town Hall. Read More ...
NCCAOM Public Comment Period
NCCAOM Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Committee (PEDC) periodically audits and updates its Code of Ethics and Grounds for Professional Discipline. Comments will be accepted until September 30, 2021. Read More ...
ACAOM Announces New Selection of New Name
Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) was approved as the new name for the Commission. Work is underway to complete all necessary administrative requirements. Read More ...
Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act
U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-California) introduced H.R. 4803 on July 29, 2021 to authorize the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to recognize qualified acupuncturists as healthcare providers to deliver covered services to over 60 million Medicare beneficiaries. Read More ...
Consideration of Name Change Underway
Following their earlier decision to rename degrees to eliminate the use of the term “Oriental” from accredited master’s and professional doctorate programs, the Commission is currently considering a name change for their organization. Read More ...
Distance Education Policy Change
ACAOM has approved a policy change regarding distance education programs offered by accredited institutions. Effective June 1, 2021, accredited programs offered in English, Korean and Mandarin will be eligible for distance education approval. Read More ...
Statement of Community Support
The Council issued a statement of support in the wake of the recent violence against the Asian American community, including the recent attacks in Atlanta. Read More ...
COVID-19 Vaccine Video Series
The Council's School Clinic committee has conducted a series of interviews with leading medical professionals and scientists to address questions about the vaccine. The 4th video on the VACCINE MYTHS is now available! Read More ...
Year-end Stimulus Bill for Additional COVID-19 Relief
On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law, providing $900 billion in COVID-19 economic relief (including new relief and extending several CARES Act provisions). Read More ...
Emergency Waiver Flexibilities Extended
Because of the highly unusual circumstances and challenges presented to the postsecondary education community by COVID-19, the United States Department of Education has given accreditors certain regulatory flexibilities as a unique and temporary departure from the Department’s accrediting agency requirements. Read More ...
Acupuncture Medicine Day
On October 24, 2020, in honor of Acupuncture Medicine Day, the ASA and NCCAOM came together to celebrate Diversity and Community in the Acupuncture Profession. The webinar event, comprised of four panel discussions, was designed to help practitioners learn how cultural competence can positively affect patient safety and efficacy of treatment within our local communities and through global outreach. Read More ...
MUIH Partners with the Maryland Acupuncture Society
Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) announced a new partnership with the Maryland Acupuncture Society (MAS) to collaborate on promoting the use of holistic and natural approaches to promote well-being. Read More ...
SEVP Modifies Temporary Extensions for Non-Immigrant Students
On July 5 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced modifications to temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. Read More ...
View May 6 NCCAOM & ASA Town Hall Meeting
The recent Town Hall Meeting co-hosted by American Society of Acupuncturists and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine covered Expert Insight for Patients with COVID-19 and Guidelines for Going Back to Work (presented by Valerie Hobbs & Steve Shomo from ACTCM). Read More ...
.png)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The disease has increasingly dominated the world news since its appearance in Whuan, China in December. New developments are reported daily and it's important to know the facts. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, rely on reputable sources. Follow the link for a brief list. Read More ...
Phase III of the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Package
The ASA and NCCAOM, in conjunction with federal lobbyist Molly Giammarco, have provided this summary and breakdown of the historic Stimulus Package with a link below to each section for additional information. Read More ...
ACAOM Issues Program Naming Policy and Position Paper
At its February 2020 semi-annual meeting, the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine reviewed stakeholder input regarding its Degree Structure and Naming Convention Policy received through public comment period, which concluded 6 December 2019. Read More ...
New Reinstatement Route
The NCCAOM recently announced a new reinstatement route for former Diplomates in terminated status to return to active status. The new route opened in December and closes on June 10, 2021. NCCAOM Reinstatement exam(s) are not required for certification under this new route, but all new eligibility requirements must be met to achieve active NCCAOM certification. Read More ...
Adoption of Revision to Criterion 5.02
In late 2019, the Commission adopted a revision to Criterion 5.02 [Standard 5] to remove requirements regarding TOEFL iBT and IELTS spoken exam scores from the Phased Change to English Language Proficiency Requirements [Standard 5, page 6]. Requirements effective January 1,2020 regarding TOEFL iBT and IELTS written examination scores remain unchanged. Read More ...
2020 Exam Administration Updates
As a result of developing new content outlines, adaptive testing will be suspended 11/1/2019. This is necessary to evaluate passing standards for the new content and statistically validate new exam questions. All exams will be administered in linear format until 7/1/2020, when adaptive testing will resume. Read More ...