Standard for Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a controlled act under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). This is because it involves a procedure performed on tissue below the dermis. Controlled acts are procedures that pose a risk to clients if not performed by a qualified practitioner. Occupational therapists who are competent to perform acupuncture are permitted to do so (Ontario Regulation 107/96: Controlled Acts, s. 8 [2] in the RHPA).
Occupational therapists are expected to:
1. Obtain and maintain competence
1.1
Have successfully completed formal acupuncture training with instructional, theoretical, and practical components taught by a qualified acupuncture practitioner or through a recognized acupuncture program.
The course of study must include:
- Introduction to the theories, philosophy, and principles of acupuncture
- Anatomy, acupuncture points, and acupuncture meridians
- Applications of acupuncture, including:
- Understanding of the indications, contraindications, benefits, risks, and limitations of acupuncture techniques
- Selection of clients, planning of treatment, and evaluation of progress and benefit to clients
- Practical training of point location and safe needle insertion and removal
- Practical examination
- Infection prevention and control and safety procedures in acupuncture
- Treatment principles, techniques, and specific clinical conditions
1.2
Provide verifiable documents showing completion of acupuncture training if requested by the College.
1.3
Assess clients as candidates for acupuncture based on current evidence of the treatment’s effectiveness. Before proceeding, follow the Standard for Consent.
1.4
Perform acupuncture safely and in accordance with all Standards of Practice and relevant legislation.
1.5
Use electroacupuncture only if clinically indicated and with proper training.
1.6
Document details of the acupuncture procedure (for example, needle points used, length of needle, depth and direction, and use of stimulation or manipulation) and the outcome or effectiveness of the procedure.
1.7
Take part in professional development to ensure ongoing competence (for example, recognized acupuncture educational and training programs, workshops, conferences, or learning modules).
1.8
Know and follow appropriate infection prevention and control methods, including:
- Maintaining required standards of cleanliness, skin disinfection, and needling technique
- Ensuring that needles used for treatment are single use, prepackaged, presterilized, unexpired, manufactured for use in acupuncture, intended for the specific kind of acupuncture being performed, and properly disposed of.
2. Work within the scope of occupational therapy practice
2.1
Document the clinical rationale for using acupuncture within the occupational therapy intervention plan.
2.2
Use the protected title “acupuncturist” only if registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario and performing acupuncture techniques outside the scope of occupational therapy practice.
2.3
Refer clients to another qualified practitioner if they need acupuncture beyond the scope of occupational therapy practice or the competence of the occupational therapist.
3. Follow the rules for delegation
3.1
Before performing techniques of acupuncture that involve another controlled act, obtain delegation to perform the act. Delegation refers to the transfer of authority to perform a controlled act from one practitioner who has the authority to another practitioner who has the knowledge, skill, and judgement to perform the procedure safely and effectively.
3.2
Never delegate or assign any part of acupuncture to students, occupational therapy assistants, or any other health practitioners.
Related College documents
References
Ontario Regulation 107/96, Controlled Acts. (1991). Retrieved from the Government of Ontario website: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/960107