Standard of Practice: Acupuncture

Patient Outcome

The patient receives acupuncture treatment from a competent, authorized RMT/MT who provides safe, effective and ethical care within the Scope of Practice of Massage Therapy.

Registered Massage Therapist Outcome

An authorized Registered Massage Therapist/Massage Therapist (RMT/MT) performs the controlled act of acupuncture in compliance with relevant legislation and Standards of Practice.

Requirements

The RMT/MT must:

1. Always practise within the Scope of Practice of Massage Therapy, CMTO’s definition of acupuncture, and all Standards of Practice.
2. Have successfully completed a Confirmed Acupuncture Education Program or have been legacy exempted by CMTO and have the required entry-level acupuncture practice competencies (obtained prior to January 1, 2017) as outlined in the Acupuncture Practice Competencies and Performance Indicators.
3. Have applied for and been granted authorization from CMTO to practise acupuncture.
4. Have the required professional liability insurance to practise acupuncture.
5. During registration renewal, comply with CMTO’s annual declaration requirements regarding acupuncture practise.
6. Only practise acupuncture when competent to safely do so.
7. Comply with current Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and safety measures including:
   1. ensuring needles are sterile prior to use;
   2. storing and disposing of used needles safely;
   3. implementing and documenting needlestick injury protocols; and
   4. vigilance in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, skin disinfection technique, needling technique and careful anatomical considerations.
8. See also the Standard of Practice: Consent, Standard of Practice: Patient-Centred Care and Standard of Practice: Professional Boundaries, Draping, and Physical Privacy.

Bolded terms are found in the Glossary.