Acupuncture Licensure Requirements

The master’s program curriculum meets the requirements for licensure or certification in the following states: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY.

AK (Alaska)
Education: Complete a course at a school recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) or an institution with equivalent standards as determined by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Foreign or out-of-state applicants can qualify if their education is equivalent and recognized by NCCAOM.

Examination: Possess a diplomate of acupuncture from NCCAOM, evidenced by either a certificate or an official letter from NCCAOM confirming qualification.

Application Requirements:
Submit an application with two letters of reference for moral character, a transcript, verification of other held acupuncture licenses, and applicable fees.

AR (Arkansas)
Education: Applicants must complete a program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine that meets standards set by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) or an equivalent approved by the board. The program must include at least 800 hours of clinical practice.

Examination: Applicants must pass a board-approved, nationally recognized examination in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, such as those provided by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Additional Documentation:
Applicants need to submit proof of Clean Needle Technique certification, affidavits attesting to good character from two reputable acupuncturists, and any disciplinary records from other states if they hold other healthcare licenses.

AZ (Arizona)
Education: Applicants must have completed an acupuncture program with at least 1,850 hours of training, including 800 clinical hours, from an
accredited institution.

Examination: certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is required.

Clean Needle Technique (CNT):
Completion of a CNT course is mandatory, ensuring that practitioners maintain high standards of patient safety.

CA (California)
Education: An applicant must graduate from a California Acupuncture Board approved school.  Students entering an acupuncture and Oriental medicine educational training program prior to January 1, 2005 must complete 2,348 hours(1,548 theoretical hours and 800 clinical hours) in the following areas: Traditional Chinese Medicine (660 hours); Clinical (800 hours); Western Sciences (558 hours); Herbal (300 hours) and Ethics and Practice Management (30 hours).

Students entering an acupuncture and Oriental medicine educational training program after January 1, 2005 must complete 3,000 hours (2,050 theoretical hours and 950 clinical hours) in the following areas:  Basic Sciences (350 hours); Oriental Medicine Principals, Theories and Treatment (1,255 hours [includes 450 hours in herbs]); Clinical Medicine, Patient Assessment and Diagnosis (240 hours); Case
Management (90 hours); Practice Management (45 hours); Public Health (40 hours); Professional Development (30 hours) and Clinical Practice (950 hours).

Written Exam: An applicant must pass a written examination developed and administered by the California Acupuncture Board.  The examination covers five content areas that reflect the current job competencies in the practice of acupuncture in California as follows: Patient Assessment – 29%; Developing a Diagnostic Impression – 20%; Providing Acupuncture Treatment – 29%; Prescribing Herbal Medicinal – 17%; and Regulations for Public Health and Safety – 9%.

CO (Colorado)
Education: Applicants need a degree from an accredited acupuncture program, covering topics such as acupuncture techniques, safety practices, and diagnostic skills.

Examination: An active NCCAOM certification in acupuncture is required. This certification involves passing exams and demonstrating
competence in acupuncture practice.

CT(Connecticut)
Education: To qualify, applicants need at least 60 semester hours from an accredited postsecondary institution. This is in addition to completing an acupuncture program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). Programs should have a minimum of 1,905 hours of study, including at least 660 clinical hours if completed after October 1, 2012.

Examinations: Passing the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examination is required. Additionally, completion of a Clean Needle Technique (CNT) course through the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) is mandatory.

DC (Washington, D.C)
Education: To qualify, applicants must complete either three years of formal instruction in acupuncture (including 500 clinical hours) or two years of instruction paired with 1,500 hours of supervised apprenticeship. Alternatively, if they have at least three years of acupuncture experience prior to October 1999, they may also qualify if they treated a minimum of 100 patients per year with 500 visits annually.

Examination:
An active NCCAOM certification in acupuncture is required.

DE (Delaware)
Education: Graduation/education must be obtained from a formal education program that has met the standards of the ACAHM. At the time of your graduation, your school must either be accredited by ACAHM or in candidacy status for accreditation by ACAHM.

Examination:
An active NCCAOM certification in acupuncture is required.

GA (Georgia)
Education: To qualify, applicants must complete a program in acupuncture from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) or an equivalent board-approved program.

Clinical Experience:
If applicants have less than one year of postgraduate clinical experience, you must complete at least one year of supervised clinical practice under a licensed acupuncturist who has at least four years of active clinical practice.

Examination: While Georgia does not mandate NCCAOM certification, it is beneficial. Completing the NCCAOM exams, which cover topics like
acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and biomedicine, can enhance your credibility and career prospects.

HI (Hawaii)
Education: To qualify, applicants must complete a formal acupuncture program accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized body or an international program with equivalent accreditation. The program should include a minimum of 2,175 hours of academic (1,515 hours) and clinical training (660 hours).

Examination: applicants must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam. If you have already passed this exam in another state, the results may be transferred directly to the Hawaii Board.

ID (Idaho)
Education: Applicants must complete a master’s degree from an ACAOM-accredited acupuncture program. This program should include both theoretical and practical coursework. The program must consist of at least 1,725 hours in academic (1,000 hours) and clinical training (500 hours).

Examination: Applicants must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams, which cover areas such as the foundations of Oriental medicine, acupuncture point location, and biomedicine

IL (Illinois) 
Education: For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2020, proof of status as a Diplomate of Acupuncture (3-year program) or Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (4-year program) with NCCAOM, or a substantial equivalent approved by the Division

Examination: Applicant must have NCCAOM certification in acupuncture, pass a clean needle technique course, have good moral character, and be at least 18 years of age.


IN (Indiana)
Education: Acupuncture college program that is approved by ACAHM. 

Examination: Current active status as a diplomate in acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

IA (Iowa)
Education: Applicants must complete a three-year post-secondary acupuncture program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or an equivalent program that meets ACAHM standards. There are no undergraduate requirements for this path.

Examination: Applicants must hold an active NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) certification in acupuncture. This includes passing the NCCAOM’s written exam covering acupuncture theory, clean needle technique, and other core areas of practice.

KS (Kansas)
Education: Complete an accredited acupuncture program that includes both theoretical coursework and hands-on clinical practice. The program should meet the standards set by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAHM) or be recognized as equivalent by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

Examination: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams, which include modules on
Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture with Point Location, Biomedicine, and Chinese Herbology.

KY (Kentucky)
Education: Graduate from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or another recognized institution. The program should include at least 1,800 hours of training, with 300 hours of clinical practice.

Examination: Pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam. This includes assessments in acupuncture and possibly Chinese herbal medicine, depending on the program you follow.

LA (Louisiana)
Education: Applicants must complete a program in acupuncture from an accredited institution, typically covering 36 months of training. The program should meet the standards set by recognized accreditation bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM).

Examination: Successful completion of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams is required. This includes the biomedicine section and acupuncture, which tests knowledge in foundational and clinical aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.

ME (Maine)
Education: Complete at least 1,000 hours of classroom instruction in acupuncture and related subjects, along with a minimum of 300 hours of clinical training.

Examination: Pass the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) exam.

MD (Maryland)
Education: You must complete a program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or an equivalent program approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The program must include at least 1,800 hours of training, with 300 of those hours dedicated to clinical practice.

Examination: Applicants need to pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examination to demonstrate proficiency. This certification is a key step before applying for licensure.

MA (Massachusetts)
Education: Must have successfully completed 2 years of training in one or more acupuncture schools, shall have graduated from a Committee on Acupuncture-approved schools; must have a minimum of 1,905 didactic training and 100 hours of Committee on Acupuncture-approved herbal education.  An applicant must document 100 hours of clinic with sole responsibility for diagnosis and treatment of patients within the required 1,905 hours of acupuncture education.  If the school is in the U.S., District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or a U.S. territory, it must be accredited by, or in candidacy status with, ACAHM. 

Basic Herbology Requirement: The applicant must have received a minimum of 30 hours of herbal medicine training from a Committee on Acupuncture approved school or Committee on Acupuncture approved program in order to be licensed.

Herbology Certification Requirements: As of January 1, 2009, an applicant who plans to employ herbal therapy (patent orraw) in his or her practice must submit evidence of completion of one of the following courses of education in herbology:

1. 1. Completion
      of an Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
      (ACAOM) accredited or candidate status oriental medicine program with a minimum of 1,905 hours of
      clinical/didactic training, of which at least 660 hours were training
      hours in herbs and at least 210 of those were clinical hours in
      acupuncture and herbs; and
   2. Certification by NCCAOM in Chinese Herbology.

Examination: Applicants must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examination. Additionally, a Clean Needle Technique (CNT) certification is required.

MI (Michigan)
Education: The applicant shall establish that he or she has completed a minimum of 1,245 hours of systematic acupuncture education by submitting his or her education records, training records, or other verifiable evidence of the applicant’s education and training that included live lectures, demonstrations, and supervised clinical training specific to acupuncture.

Examination: Submit proof of current certification conferred by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
(NCCAOM). Other certifications may be reviewed for substantial equivalency to NCCAOM certification. 

MN (Minnesota)
Education: Complete an accredited acupuncture program. The program must be approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) or another recognized accreditation body.

Certification: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams

MS (Mississippi)
Education:  Provide proof, directly from the institution, of successful completion of an educational program for acupuncturists that are in candidacy status or accredited by ACAOM, NCCAOM or its predecessor or successor agency that is at least three (3) years in duration and includes a supervised clinical internship to ensure that applicants with an education outside the US are recognized because of the NCCAOM review process for foreign applicants.

Examination: The NCCAOM exams must be current, and if taken after January 2007, include the Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture (with point location), and Biomedicine modules.

MO (Missouri)
Education: At least 1725 hours of study in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine from an ACAHM accredited program.

Examination: Certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is required.

MT (Montana)
Education: An applicant must be a graduate of an approved school of acupuncture that is approved by the ACAHM and offers a course of at least 1,000 hours of entry-level training in recognized branches of acupuncture or equivalent curriculum approved by the board.

Examination: NCCAOM written exam.

NE (Nebraska)
Education: Has graduated from a formal, full-time acupuncture program at a university, college, or school of acupuncture approved by the board which includes at least 1,725 hours of entry-level acupuncture education. The education must consist of a minimum of 1,000 didactic and 500 clinical hours.

Examination: NCCAOM written exam in acupuncture.

NH (New Hampshire)
Education: An applicant shall possess a baccalaureate, registered nurse, or physician’s assistant degree from an accredited institution.

An applicant shall have completed acupuncture education from an ACAOM accredited US school.

Examination: Current, active NCCAOM certification through examination or Credentials Documentation Review is required plus completion of a clean needle technique course approved by the NCCAOM.

NJ (New Jersey)
Education:  Baccalaureate degree from a school within the United States and graduate from an acupuncture program, given by a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation, or the United States Department of Education.
-OR-
Obtain the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree from a school in another country and complete either:
i)    An acupuncture program, which meets the requirements of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation, or the United States Department of Education.
-OR-
ii)   An acupuncture program that is part of the baccalaureate degree program or its equivalent in another country.

Examination: The NCCAOM exam in English.

NM (New Mexico)
Education: Completion of 2,400 clock hours of classes including a minimum of 1,100 hours of didactic education in acupuncture and Oriental medicine to include 450 didactic herbology hours and a minimum of 900 hours of supervised clinical practice with 400 hours of actual treatment by the student.

Examination: The written examinations approved by the board shall be:
(1) the NCCAOM Foundations of Oriental Medicine module
(2) the NCCAOM Acupuncture module
(3) the NCCAOM Chinese Herbology module
(4) the NCCAOM Biomedicine module
(5) the NCCAOM approved clean needle technique class
(6) the board approved and board administered jurisprudence examination covering the act and the rules.

Reciprocity/Endorsement: Regulations are currently being adopted.

NY (New York)
Formal Education Requirements: Satisfactory completion of an approved professional acupuncture program registered by the New York State Education Department as licensure qualifying or accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) or another accrediting agency accepted by the Department as a reliable authority, or the equivalent.

To be considered equivalent, a program must consist of a minimum of 4,050 hours of classroom instruction, supervised clinical experience, and out-of-classroom or out-of-clinic study assignments. Each hour of classroom instruction must require two hours of out-of-classroom study
assignments and each hour of supervised clinical experience must require one-half hour of clinic study assignments. As part of the 4,050 hours, the program must include:

at least 200 classroom instructional hours in the biosciences including anatomy, physiology and pathology;

at least 600 classroom instructional hours in acupuncture including acupuncture principles; acupuncture channel and point theory;
acupuncture physiology; acupuncture pathology; acupuncture clinical examination and diagnosis; acupuncture techniques; acupuncture treatment principles; and sterilization and precautions; and

at least 650 hours of supervised clinical acupuncture experience in general health problems to include acupuncture diagnosis; therapeutic treatment planning; acupuncture needling technique; moxibustion; electroacupuncture; pre- and post-treatment instruction; contraindications and precautions; treatment of emergencies; when to refer to appropriate health professionals; and acupuncture hygiene.

Examination: The NCCAOM written examination.

NC (North Carolina)
Education: Successful completion of a three-year postgraduate program at the acupuncture college accredited by, or in candidacy status with ACAHM, or if outside the United States, the California Acupuncture Committee.

Examination: The NCCAOM written exam.

ND (North Dakota)
Education: Completion of an approved accredited acupuncture program, which requires, at a minimum, a 4-year, full time program of academic and clinical study plus a six-month full time clinical internship at an approved internship site.

Examination: All applicants must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) board certification exams before submitting a license application.

OH (Ohio)
Education: A master’s degree from an ACAHM-accredited school.

Examination: NCCAOM certification.

PA (Pennsylvania)
Education: Has successfully completed an acupuncture program which includes a course in needle sterilization techniques.

·        If the acupuncture education program is taken within the United States, the applicant shall complete 2 academic years of acupuncture training and shall complete 2 academic years of a college level educational program.

·        If the educational program is taken outside of the United States, an applicant shall graduate from a college with a program of study including Oriental medicine and document 300 class hours of study in acupuncture training.

Examination: The NCCAOM certification is required.

RI (Rhode Island)
Education: Has completed an accredited program of not less than one thousand nine hundred five (1,905) hours of training and has received a certificate or diploma from an institute approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, or any accrediting body approved by the department, according to the provisions of this chapter; provided, that this subdivision does not apply to anyone licensed to practice under chapter 37 of this title who is qualified to take and pass the test by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, or any credentialing body meeting the standards for professional certification programs approved by the department; Has completed a clinical internship training that is designated as appropriate by the Accreditation ACAHM or any credentialing body meeting the standards for professional certification programs approved by the department; and

Examination: The NCCAOM certification is required.

SC (South Carolina)
Education: Graduate from a program accredited by the ACAHM. Requires a minimum of 1,725 hours of education, including both classroom instruction and clinical practice.

The Acupuncture Act of South Carolina set the entry-level standard to the level of the NCCAOM Diplomate for any individual to practice
acupuncture in South Carolina.

Examination: The NCCAOM certification is required.

TN (Tennessee)
Education: Successful completion of a three-year postsecondary training program or acupuncture college that is ACAHM accredited or in candidacy status, or which meets ACAHM standards.

Examination: Current, active NCCAOM certification

TX (Texas)
Education: Graduation from a board-approved school of not less than six terms in residence of four months each for a total of not less than 1,800 instructional hours, with at least 2 terms in residence in supervised patient treatment.  The course of study must include anatomy-histology, bacteriology, physiology, symptomatology, pathology, meridian and point locations, hygiene, and public health.  The rules require that a school in the United States be ACAHM accredited or in candidacy status and that foreign schools must be substantially equivalent to a ACAHM approved school.

Examination: Applicant has taken and passed, within three attempts, each component of the full National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examination.

UT (Utah)
Education: Graduation from an ACAHM accredited program or a program of study that meets NCCAOM exam eligibility requirements.

Examination: Current and active NCCAOM certification.

VT (Vermont)
Education: Completion of a three-year comprehensive curriculum providing a minimum of 1725 hours of entry-level acupuncture education. The program must include a minimum of 800 hours of supervised clinical practice in which there must be a minimum of 250 student performed treatments. The program must also include 700 hours of oriental medical theory and 225 hours of biomedical sciences.  The program must be ACAHM accredited or approved by the director of the office.

Examination: The NCCAOM certification is required.


VA(Virginia)
Education: Graduation from an ACAHM accredited program of at least 1,000 hours including 700 didactic and 250 clinical hours in no less than 18 months.  Individuals who graduated after July 1, 1990 must document 90 semester credit hours of full-time study.  Applicants who have graduated from an acupuncture program in candidacy with ACAHM shall be eligible for licensure provided the program is subsequently granted accreditation within 3 years of applicant’s education.  Applicants who have graduated from non-ACAHM accredited schools must have completed a course of study equivalent to graduates of approved institutions.

Examination: The NCCAOM certification is required.

WV (West Virginia)
Education: Graduation from a course of training of at least 1,800 hours, including 300 clinical hours, that is either approved by ACAHM or found by the board to be equivalent to a course approved by ACAHM.

Examination: The NCCAOM examination or on an examination determined by the board to be equivalent to the NCCAOM examination is one route of eligibility.

WI (Wisconsin)
Education: Completion of a course of study and residency the equivalent of at least 2 consecutive years of full-time education and clinical work in Oriental diagnostic and therapeutic theories and practices at a school accredited by the ACAHM or the NCCAOM.

Examination The NCCAOM certification is required.

WY (Wyoming)
Education: Graduation from an ACAHM accredited program or a program of study that meets NCCAOM exam eligibility requirements.

Examination: Current and active NCCAOM certification.

The Master’s program curriculum at DULA does not meet the state’s all educational requirements and require an additional coursework for licensure or certification in the following states: FL, NV, WA.

FL (Florida)
Education: APPLIED for licensure on or after August 1, 2001 Completion of an ACAOM candidate or accredited 4-year master’s level program or foreign equivalent in oriental medicine:

• Western Anatomy
• Western Physiology
• Western Pathology
• Western Biomedical Terminology
• First Aid
• CPR
• 15 hours – Supervised Instruction in Universal Precautions Applicable to Needling Techniques
• 20 hours – Florida Laws and Rules
• 60 hour injection therapy course – This course is required for initial licensure and may or may not be included in your Acupuncture transcript. If this course is not listed in your Acupuncture transcript you may log on to CE Broker at www.cebroker.com to find information
  on obtaining this course.

Examination: The NCCAOM certification is required.

NV (Nevada)
Education: Contact your school/training program for transcripts and have them send the paperwork, sealed and certified, directly to our board office. There also should be a letter from your school/training program verifying that you have had training or instruction in the subjects of acupuncture, moxibustion, herbology, Oriental physiology, Oriental pathology, Oriental diagnosis, tuina or qigong, biology, chemistry or biochemistry, anatomy, Western physiology, Western pathology, Western diagnosis, pharmacology, laboratory and radiology.

Examination: The NCCAOM certification is required.

WA (Washington)
Education: Successfully completed a course, approved by the secretary, of didactic training in basic sciences and acupuncture and Eastern medicine over a minimum period of two academic years.  The training shall include such subjects as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathology, hygiene, and a survey of western clinical sciences. The basic science classes must be equivalent to those offered at the collegiate level.

Examination: The NCCAOM certification is required.

DULA has not decided that its master’s program curriculum meets the state’s educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following states, as the following states do not have an acupuncture practice Act: AL, OK, SD.

AL (Alabama)
(1) Acupuncture is deemed by the Medical Licensure Commission to be an experimental procedure of which the safety and medical effectiveness has not been established. The Commission therefore determines that while acupuncture practice by licensed physicians should not be absolutely prohibited, some safeguards are necessary to ensure that the public is not harmed or victimized by unprofessional practices, such as the unskilled or uninformed application of acupuncture treatment, or unfounded claims of effectiveness.

(2) The Commission therefore determines that it shall be deemed unprofessional conduct, and grounds for action against the license of
any physician pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §34-24-360(a), for a physician to offer or administer acupuncture treatment except in compliance
with the requirements set forth by the Federal Food and Drug Administration in Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 46, p 6419 (March 9, 1973). In administering this requirement, the Commission establishes the following criteria, which must be adhered to by physicians licensed by the Commission:

(a) All acupuncture devices in this state must be labeled properly according to applicable Federal Food and Drug requirements.

(b) A physician must secure a patient’s informed consent according to the guidelines established at 21 Code of Federal Regulations, §130.37, and no claims of therapeutic or diagnostic effectiveness may be made by a physician.

(3) The Commission hereby announces its intention to require that physicians wishing to investigate and experiment with the use of acupuncture treatment must comply fully with the above stated requirements of this Commission and with the requirement of the Federal Food and Drug Administration cited herein.|

OK (Oklahoma)
There are no official requirements


SD (South Dakota)
36-39-5. Acupuncture practice–Persons not requiring a license.
The following persons, within the person’s scope of practice, may practice acupuncture without a license under § 36-39-2:
(1) A physician or osteopath licensed under chapter 36-4;
(2) A chiropractor licensed under chapter 36-5;
(3) Any acupuncturist licensed to practice in another state or country who is in the state for the sole purpose of providing a tutorial or workshop not to exceed thirty days in one calendar year; and
(4) Any acupuncturist licensed to practice in another state or country may practice acupuncture in this state without a license if the acupuncturist is conducting treatment in relation to disaster relief for a period of time not to exceed three consecutive months.