All AHPR Members should read and be fully aware of the requirements of this code.
Acupuncture is a very safe practice and insurance premiums are reasonable. All professional acupuncturists will have professional liability insurance because even with the very best safe practice unforseen accidents can very occasionally happen.
AHPR Members can use their HAC certificate to obtain insurance to practice acupuncture through an arrangement with Balens. All acupuncture needles are now pre-steralized and for single use only. AHPR Members are therefore fully qualified and legal to practice in the UK.
Acupuncture has a good safety record in this country. However, in order to maintain this high standard it is essential that practitioners are properly trained in needle safety techniques.
There are 2 main areas of danger:
1, Physical needle injury and
pneumothorax (puncture of the lung). 2, Cross contamination through
needle stick injury or other means.In order to prevent needle injury to patients our
students are thoroughly trained in the correct procedures, namely:
Needling techniques, Needle depths, Appropriate caution using points
near and around the Lungs and other internal organs, bruising and
bleeding, Points forbidden in certain situations e.g. Pregnancy.In order to prevent cross contamination students learn to follow a strict "clean needle technique" this includes preparing equipment and needles, clean procedures, hand washing or steralizing and correct needle removal and disposal.
Students also learn what to do in case of accidents or emergency.
*Insurance: All practitioners who are current members of the register and treating patients must hold full public indemnity insurance. Members who wish to retire from the AHPR or who are no longer insured undertake to inform us of this immediately.
*All Information about a patient which is obtained in a professional context must be kept absolutely confidential. The only exceptions to this are:
* Where required to disclose
information by law.
* If in the opinion of the practitioner, the patient or some other person may be endangered if information is withheld.
* Information may be disclosed when the patient has given their express permission and that they understand the nature and extent of the disclosure.
* If the practitioner intends to publish information in any form about a particular case for any reason - including teaching purposes, the practitioner must ensure full confidentiality. If this is not possible due to the nature of the particular case then the practitioner must obtain the patients written permission first.
*Appropriate action must be taken
when a patient presents with a notifiable disease. Firstly they must be
advised to contact their GP or local hospital as soon as possible. The
practitioner must also contact the Environmental Health Officer in the
area where they live. In all instances the practitioner must record this
information in the patient notes.
*The register must be notified if the practitioner is subject to any investigation into their practice by the police or local government which results in any conviction.
*Physical examinations and
treatment of patients under the age of 16 must only be made in the
presence of a parent/guardian or other responsible adult.
*Practitioners are advised to
conduct examinations/carry out treatments to areas of an intimate nature
with a chaperone present. Patients must be made aware of their absolute
right to choose not to undergo such examinations or treatments.
*Practitioners are advised to obtain a signed consent form indicating that the patient fully understands the implications of undergoing treatment. Even if such a form is not used practitioners are required to keep patients fully informed at all times.
*Should circumstances
unfortunately arise where patients/students and/or practitioners wish to
develop a sexual relationship. They must formally end the therapeutic
or educational relationship and allow a suitable cooling off period
first.
*The patients cultural or religious ideals and beliefs must be respected.
*Advertisements should reflect the
high standard the public expect of our graduates. Adverts in all forms
must abide by the British Code of Advertising Practice.
*Members practice premises must be
of a good professional standard and comply with all local authority
rules and guidelines.
*On moving or retiring the
practitioner must inform their patients of the intention to do so. It is
important that the practitioner make provisions for the continuance of
their care.
*In the event of the practitioners
death, preparations should also be made so that patients are notified.
*The
patient notes must be kept to a minimum legible standard and for a
minimum of six years after the cessation of treatment.
*Records of all contact with patients must be kept. Patient notes must include the following details:
* Name, address, telephone number
and date of birth.
* GP details & medical history
* Dates and details of all treatment, specifically points needled, and in particular any adverse reactions to treatment or accidents. Any accident or incident should be noted in the clinic accident book.
* details of all medication taken by the patient.
*Patient notes must be kept secure at all times.
*If the practitioner stores
patient names and addresses electronically the practitioner is obliged
to register under the Data Protection Act 1984.
*Practitioners should not speak
disrespectfully of other therapists in public, to patients or to
students.
*Practitioners are responsible for
continuing their professional development through training, supervision
and study.
*Practitioners who wish to help
patients reduce their dependency on prescribed drugs can only do so in
agreement with the prescriber. We cannot advise a patient to alter their
medication.
*Complaints should initially be
made to the member themselves. If this is unsatisfactory the AHPR will
attempt to mediate. We reserve the ultimate right to remove members from
the register but this will not be done without due consultation.
*The AHPR is a register and not
liable for any treatment received by any patient. This is the sole
responsibility of the practitioner.