March 1, 2002 - Sacramento - The Council of Colleges hired lobbying firm Livingston and Mattesich to represent their vested interests in opposing legislation to advance the educational standards for California Licensed Acupuncturists.

The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine hired the "high-powered" lobbying firm Livingston and Mattesich to oppose legislation introduced by the profession. Council of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Associations are sponsoring Assembly Bill 1943 to advance and standardize the educational requirements for California Licensed Acupuncturists, and would hold the schools more accountable for the coursework they offer.

Using money derived directly and indirectly from the profession and students, through dues paid by member schools, and from its Clean Needle Course profits, the Executive Committee of the Council of Colleges felt it necessary to employ the professional services of a lobbyist, rather then try to work with the California acupuncturist profession itself.