NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – An unlicensed acupuncturist in Queens has been charged on Monday after a patient’s lungs collapsed following several treatment sessions.
The unlicensed acupuncturist, Yong De Lin, 66, administered treatments to Shujuan Jiang, 63, for about five months.
After her last session on Oct. 28, Jiang felt unwell and collapsed on the sidewalk on her way home. A bystander called 911 and she was taken to the hospital.
Both of Jiang’s lungs had collapsed due to the acupuncture treatment. She went through immediate surgery and spent six days at the hospital.
“The difference between receiving health care from a competent, licensed professional or someone who is unlicensed can mean the difference between life and death," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
It was discovered that Lin has never applied for the required state licensure to become a licensed acupuncturist.
Lin is set to return to court on Sept. 20. He is being charged with assault and reckless endangerment. If convicted, Lin could face up to 25 years in prison.