; and (ii) in the list in subsection (b), by inserting , ACUPUNCTURIST, after PHYSICIAN . (B) Treatment Section 7431 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (i) Treatment of acupuncturists For purposes of this subchapter, an acupuncturist is deemed to be a physician. . (4) Malpractice and negligence suits Section 7316(a)(2) of such title is amended by inserting acupuncturist, after chiropractor, . (5) Hours and conditions Section 7421(b) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (9) Acupuncturists. . (6) Effective date The amendments made by paragraph (4) apply with respect to services provided on or after the date that is 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act. 6. Coverage for acupuncturist services under the Medicare program (a) In general Section 1861 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x ) is amended— (1) in subsection (s)(2)— (A) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (EE); (B) by adding and at the end of subparagraph (FF); and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (GG) qualified acupuncturist services (as defined in subsection (iii)(1));