Missouri Code of State Regulations
Title 20 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE
Division 2015 - Acupuncturist Advisory Committee
Chapter 3 - Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, Professional Conduct
Section 20 CSR 2015-3.010 - Standards of Practice
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 6, March 15, 2024
PURPOSE: This amendment clarifies the standards of practice.
(1) A licensed acupuncturist is strongly encouraged to maintain professional liability insurance coverage.
(2) Each acupuncturist shall:
(3) An acupuncturist shall not delegate acupuncture duties to a person that is not qualified or licensed to perform acupuncture.
(4) For the purpose of this rule, an acupuncturist shall maintain patient records for a minimum of five (5) years after the date of service is rendered, or not less than the time required by other applicable laws or regulations, if that time is longer than five (5) years.
(5) If a licensed acupuncturist discontinues practice in Missouri, the licensee shall notify the patient in writing at least thirty (30) days in advance of discontinuing practice that the patient records are available to either the patient or another licensed acupuncturist of the patient's choosing. The advisory committee may waive the thirty- (30-) day requirement if the licensee can make a showing of good cause for failing to comply.
(6) If services are to be provided by an acupuncturist trainee or detox technician the patient shall be advised in advance.
(7) Acupuncturists, auricular detox technicians, and acupuncturist trainees under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist shall follow the standards for Clean Needle Technique (CNT) as published by the National Acupuncture Foundation in effect at the time the acupuncture service is performed, and follow universal precautions.
(8) All disposable needles shall be disposed of immediately after use and placed in a biohazard container pursuant to the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
(9) When reusable needles are used, a basic, double sterilization procedure protocol shall be utilized. Specific procedures of the protocol are outlined in the Clean Needle Technique Manual published by the National Acupuncture Foundation.
(10) After each patient, an antibacterial product shall be used on all equipment that does not penetrate the skin, come into direct contact with needles, or is made of rubber or plastic.
*Original authority: 324.481, RSMo 1998, amended 1999 and 324.496, RSMo 1998, amended 1999.