Perry Appoints Doctor to Acupuncture Board

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Dr. Rey Ximenes of Austin to the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners for terms to expire Jan. 31, 2015.

Dr. Ximenes is owner, medical director and pain management specialist of the Pain and Stress Management Center. He is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists and Texas State Naturopathic Association. He is also a volunteer race doctor for the Capitol 10K. Dr. Ximenes received a bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Austin and a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He replaces Dr. Donald Counts of Austin.

TMB Overrules Acupuncture Rule Changes

Acupuncture Rule 183: Notes from the June 2008 Texas Medical Board Meeting

183.4- Was modified to allows for 5 exam attempts and the JP exam was modified to match that of the Medical Board.

183.10 (a) (2)- Was modified by the Standing Orders committee to include height, weight, and respiratory rate in the definition of vital signs.

183.19 (d)- This rule was modified to clarify when an acupuncturist could use the title of “Dr.”, “OMD” or “DOM”. The Standing Orders committee moved to remove all changes made in this section.

My Thoughts: Most acupuncturists don’t know this, but all rules passed by its Board are subject to the approval of the Texas Medical Board. Thus, the Texas Medical Board has t he power to veto rules changes. They did in this case.