Acupuncture byelaws

Conditions for operating as an Acupuncturist 

1. Interpretations:

(a) In these Byelaws, unless the context otherwise requires: 

• “The Act” means the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982; 
• “Client” means any person undergoing treatment; “Operator” means any person giving treatment; 
• “Premises” means any premises registered under Part VIII of the Act; “Proprietor” means any person registered under Part VIII of the Act; “Treatment” means any operation in effecting acupuncture; 
• “The treatment area” means any part of the premises where treatment is given to clients. 

(b) The Interpretation Act 1978 shall apply for the interpretation of these Byelaws as it applies for the interpretation of an Act of Parliament. 

2. For the purpose of securing the cleanliness of premises and fittings therein a proprietor shall ensure that: 

(a) All internal walls, doors, windows, partitions, floors and floor coverings, and ceilings in any part of the premises used by clients and operators are kept clean and in such good repair as to enable them to be cleaned effectively. 

(b) The treatment area is used solely for giving treatments; 

(c) All waste material, and other litter, arising from the treatment, is placed in suitable covered receptacles, which are washable and leak proof, or use a leak proof liner bag. The receptacles shall be emptied, or the bags changed, at least once every working day, or more frequently as necessary, and the material disposed of safely. Where liners are not used, the receptacles shall then be cleaned;

(d) All needles used in treatment are placed after use in separate, covered and leak proof re-usable boxes, or disposable needles boxes designed for the purpose. Where re-usable boxes are used, they shall be emptied at least once every working day or more frequently as necessary, and the contents disposed of safely or sterilised for re-use, as appropriate. The box shall then be sterilised. Where needles boxes are used, they shall be disposed of safely at suitable intervals; (e) All furniture and fittings in the treatment area, are kept clean and in such good repair as to enable them to be cleaned effectively; 

(f) All tables, couches and seats used by the clients in the treatment area, any surface on which the items specified in 3b below are placed immediately prior to treatment, have a smooth impervious surface which is wiped down regularly with a suitable disinfectant; 

(g) Where tables or couches are used, they shall be covered by a disposable paper sheet which shall then be changed for each client; 

(h) A notice or notices reading “No Smoking” are prominently displayed within the treatment area. 

3. For the purpose of securing the cleansing and, so far as appropriate, the sterilisation of instruments, materials and equipment used in connection with the treatment;

(a) An operator shall ensure that, before use in connection with treatment, any gown, wrap or other protective clothing, paper or other covering, towel, cloth or other such article used in the treatment;
(i) Is clean and in good repair, and so far as is appropriate, is sterile;
(ii) Has not previously been used in connection with any other client unless it consists of a material which can be and has been adequately, and so far as is appropriate, sterilised;

(b) An operator shall ensure that any needle, metal instrument or other of equipment used in treatment or for handling instruments and needles used in treatment, is in a sterile condition and kept sterile until it is used;

(c) A proprietor shall provide:
(i) Adequate facilities and equipment for the purpose of sterilisation (unless pre-sterilised items are used) and of cleansing, as required in pursuance of these Byelaws;
(ii) Sufficient and safe gas points and/or electrical socket outlets to enable compliance with these Byelaws;
(iii) A suitable and sufficient sink and an adequate constant supply of clean hot and cold water readily available at all times on the premises for the purpose of cleansing equipment
(iv) Adequate storage for all items mentioned in Byelaw 3a and b above, so that those items shall be properly stored in a clean and suitable place so as to avoid, as far as possible, the risk of contamination. 

4. For the purpose of securing the cleanliness of operators;

(a) An operator whilst giving treatment shall ensure that:
(i) His/her hands are clean;
(ii) He/she is wearing clean clothing;
(ii) He/she keeps any open boil, sore, cut or open wound on an exposed part of his/her body effectively covered by an impermeable dressing;
(iv) He/she does not smoke or consume food or drink;

(b) A proprietor shall provide:
(i) Suitable and sufficient washing facilities in the treatment room for the sole use of operators, such facilities to have hot and cold water, sanitising soap or detergent, and a nail brush;
(ii) Suitable and sufficient sanitary accommodation for operators, together with suitable and sufficient washing facilities with hot and cold water and sanitising soap or detergent, to be provided separately from the facilities referred to in (i) above.

The foregoing Byelaws with the exception of Byelaws 1(ii) are confirmed and the Secretary of State for the Environment and shall come into operation on 24 August 1981.