Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

HB 2143: Five-Needle Protocol

The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2143 (2025) and Governor Kotek signed the bill into law. This legislation allows individuals with specific training and registration to provide five-needle protocol (5NP) treatments beginning March 1, 2026. The new law authorizes the Oregon Medical Board (OMB) to establish rules regarding:
  • Qualifications for 5NP registration, including education and training,
  • A registry of individuals qualified to provide 5NP,
  • Sanitation and best practice standards,
  • A schedule of violations and disciplinary actions, and
  • Any other requirements or standards the OMB determines necessary.
 
5NP Rule Development Process
The OMB convened a 5NP Workgroup of acupuncturists, physicians, and community members to assist with implementing HB 2143 and developing rules. Workgroup meetings were held in August and September 2025:  
After the 5NP Workgroup, the Oregon Medical Board's Acupuncture Advisory Committee (Agenda & Materials) on September 12, 2025, and the Oregon Medical Board (Agenda & Materials) on October 2, 2205, reviewed the 5NP draft rules and supplemental materials during public meetings. 

Public Hearing and Public Comment Period
Following the development phase, the Oregon Medical Board filed a notice of proposed rulemaking with the Oregon Secretary of State and a public comment period is now open. The OMB is seeking public comment before finalizing the rules. There are two ways to provide input: 

All public comments will be posted online. The OMB will review all oral and written comments at the Acupuncture Advisory Committee meeting on December 5, 2025, and the Oregon Medical Board meeting on January 8, 2026. 

Implementation Timeline
  • June 11, 2025: HB 2143 signed by Governor Tina Kotek
  • July 10, 2025: Oregon Medical Board will review and adopt an implementation plan.
  • August 13, 2025: 5NP Workgroup Meeting #1
  • August 27, 2025: 5NP Workgroup Meeting #2
  • September 3, 2025: 5NP Workgroup Meeting #3
  • September 12, 2025: Acupuncture Advisory Committee reviews the Workgroup's recommendations and makes recommendations to the Oregon Medical Board, see Agenda & Materials and Public Meeting Notice
  • October 2, 2025: Oregon Medical Board reviews all recommendations, see Agenda & Materials and Public Meeting Notice
  • After October meeting: OMB files notice of proposed rules; formal public comment period opens, see Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
  • November 18, 2025, 10AM: Public hearing to allow members of the public to provide oral testimony on the proposed rules
  • November 24, 2025, 5PM: Public comment period ends
  • December 5, 2025: Final review by the Acupuncture Advisory Committee
  • January 8, 2026: Final review and possible adoption by the Oregon Medical Board
  • January-March 2026: OMB staff develop systems for program (IT, website, forms, etc.)
  • March 1, 2026: Rules become effective
  • March 2, 2026 (Monday): OMB starts accepting 5NP technician applications
Dates and times subject to change.

To receive email updates about the 5NP program, sign up for the OMB's acupuncture email list through Subscriber Lists and select "Acupuncture Interested Parties."

Please email elizabeth.ross@omb.oregon.gov with questions regarding Five-Needle Protocol implementation.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. In your request, please include a description of the accommodation you’re requesting, including as much detail as possible, and a way the Board staff can contact you if we need more information. Make your request as early as possible; please allow at least five days' advance notice. Last-minute requests will be accepted but may be impossible to fill. Please contact Gretchen Kingham at Gretchen.Kingham@omb.oregon.gov or call the Board at (971) 673-2700 with your request.