For anyone interested, the state of Louisiana has a procedure that is required to become an acupuncturist. To become a licensed acupuncturist in Louisiana, applicants must fill out and notarize forms, submit a $200 application fee, "be of good moral character," complete 36 months of training in acupuncture at an approved school or clinic or pass a certification exam from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Presumably, the licensing process protects consumers; given the information presented this week, aside from ensuring high quality acupuncture services, why else might existing acupuncturists find it in their interest to protect the licensing system? What side effects might the fees, training, and exam introduce into the acupuncture market?