(a)      To qualify for a license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.

      (b)      The applicant shall:

            (1)      Be of good moral character;

            (2)      Be at least 18 years old;

            (3)      Demonstrate competence in performing acupuncture by meeting one of the following standards for education or training:

                  (i)      Graduation from a course of training of at least 1,800 hours in acupuncture, including 300 clinical hours, that is:

                        1.      Approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission;

                        2.      Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; or

                        3.      Found by the Board to be equivalent to a course approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; or

                  (ii)      Achievement of a:

                        1.      Diplomate in acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; or

                        2.      Passing score on an examination that is determined by the Board to be equivalent to the examination given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine;

            (4)      Demonstrate the ability to communicate in the English language; and

            (5)      Meet any other qualifications that the Board establishes in regulations.