COLLEGE OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS OF BC

PRACTICE STANDARD

Number 12 Effective: September 1, 2006

Replaces: September 12, 2002

May 1996,

January 1995

ACUPUNCTURE AND INTRAMUSCULAR STIMULATION

Educational qualifications

1.  A physical therapist must practice acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) within his or her competence as demonstrated by successful completion of both theoretical and practical examinations in the techniques being used. A physical therapist using acupuncture must have successfully completed one of the following:

a.  the Level 1 (Parts 1, 2A, and 3A) of the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute's examinations,

b.  the University of Alberta, Faculty Extension's examination for the Certificate Program in Medical Acupuncture,

c.  equivalent academic training or a combination of academic training and practical work experience, satisfactory to the Acupuncture Credentialing Committee (refer to Policy and Procedure 10.1A available from the College office).

A physical therapist using IMS must have successfully completed the following:

d.  the IMS course through the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain (ISTOP), including examinations and internship, or option (c).

Standards of Practice

1.  Physical therapists must adhere to World Health Organization standard precautions (www.wpro.who.int/sars/docs/practicalguidelines/dec2004/chapter3.pdf) and current BC Centre for Disease Control infection control procedures (www.bccdc.org/content.php?item=194).

2.  Sterile single-use needles must be used. Contaminated or used needles must be disposed of in a puncture-resistant sharps container with a lid.

3.  Sterile guide tubes are for single patient use only and must be disposed of immediately after treatment. A reusable plunger type applicator must be sterilized after use with each patient following the Public Health Agency Guidelines

Additional Resources:

College of Physical Therapists of Alberta. Position statement - use of needles. Alberta: College of Physical Therapists of Alberta; 2005.

Dr. C. Gunn's Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS) Course (including the examinations), 2001.

Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute: Course Manual, 2002.

For information on informed consent see the Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act at www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/H/96181_01.htm and the Infant’s Act at www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/I/96223_01.htm.

For information on Standard Precautions see the World Health Organization website at www.wpro.who.int/sars/docs/practicalguidelines/dec2004/chapter3.pdf.

For information on infection control visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website at: www.bccdc.org/content.php?item=194 or the Public Health Agency of Canada website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dpg_e.html#infection.

Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation

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