PHYSICAL OR MENTAL EXAMINATION.

(a) The acupuncture board shall adopt guidelines, in conjunction with persons interested in or affected by this section, to enable the board to evaluate circumstances in which an acupuncturist or applicant may be required to submit to an examination for mental or physical health conditions, alcohol and substance abuse, or professional behavior problems.

(b) The acupuncture board shall refer an acupuncturist or applicant with a physical or mental health condition to the most appropriate medical specialist. The acupuncture board may not require an acupuncturist or applicant to submit to an examination by a physician having a specialty specified by the board unless medically indicated. The acupuncture board may not require an acupuncturist or applicant to submit to an examination to be conducted an unreasonable distance from the person's home or place of business unless the acupuncturist or applicant resides and works in an area in which there are a limited number of physicians able to perform an appropriate examination.

(c) The guidelines adopted under this section do not impair or remove the acupuncture board's power to make an independent licensing decision.