NZASA Inc - Standards of Acupuncture Practice

A standard is an agreed upon level of performance that has been developed to characterise, measure and provide guidance for achieving competency in practice. These standards require practitioners to demonstrate a high level of theoretical and applied health knowledge, with a specialist body of acupuncture knowledge. Such knowledge will enable practitioners to work autonomously as health providers.

Each standard is accompanied by a series of capabilities, which specify the qualities, and activities that interpret the standard. These are intended as a guide to the standard.

These standards have been developed to characterise the minimum level of competency for qualified Health Professionals working autonomously or adjunctively in acupuncture. They are aligned with the Learning Outcomes for the NZQA National Diploma in Acupuncture.

Purpose of these Standards

• To delineate the nature and scope of Traditional Chinese and or Western Acupuncture within Health Professional Practice.
• To guide the development of acupuncture practice at the highest possible level.
• To provide a format against which acupuncture practice will be assessed.

Acupuncturists will meet the following standards and capabilities within their acupuncture practice:

Standard 1

Integrate acupuncture theory and philosophy to make a diagnosis:

• assess consumer complaints using appropriate theoretical and diagnostic methods
• analyse the information obtained to make an appropriate diagnosis

Standard 2

Treat the consumer using Acupuncture safely and effectively:

• select the appropriate acupuncture treatment and method
• use the correct method within appropriate guidelines
• appropriately complete the treatment for the chosen method
• observe the consumer and collect information about the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment
• anticipate, recognise and manage any adverse reactions
• document acupuncture procedures
• anticipate, recognise and manage any adverse reactions
• document acupuncture procedures

Standard 3

Show an ability to work as an autonomous practitioner within own health discipline using acupuncture:

• show sound understanding of own discipline/s
• recognise own scope of practicing when using acupuncture
• recognise own limitations, referring consumers when appropriate
• collaborate with colleagues to critique, develop and disseminate acupuncture knowledge and practice
• develop professional networks

Standard 4

Practice as an autonomous health professional using and /or integrating acupuncture for the best outcome for the consumer:

• recognise and understand the differing philosophies in managing consumers
• analyse and select treatments from differing philosophies when needed in treatment contexts
• analyse treatment from appropriate philosophical perspectives
• involve consumer in decision making of own treatment options
• demonstrate respect for consumers and other professionals' values and viewpoints

Standard 5

Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of acupuncture and their health professional practice:

• value ongoing supervision and self evaluation
• maintain and develop own knowledge and expertise
• analyse the quality, development and changes in own practice
• collect data on and evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment from the perspectives of practitioner and consumer

Ongoing monitoring of Clinical Standards

A registered acupuncturist will:

• provide written evidence of ongoing education yearly as determined by NZASA'S Registration Board e.g. conferences, study groups etc.
• provide evidence of financial membership of an accredited acupuncture organisation
• belong to a peer review group that meets at least thrice yearly. Documentation to be supplied to NZASA
• supply a current professional practicing certificate, if applicable